Boxer Oleksander Usyk has dedicated retaining his heavyweight titles to God, after beating British boxer Anthony Joshua. 

"I want to thank everyone who prayed for me," Usyk told Sky News after the match. 

"I want to thank God for the help that he gave me today, because he did give me a lot today. My Lord is Jesus Christ." 

Usyk became an orthodox Christian while in hospital as a kid after having a conversation with a chaplain who was visiting children in his ward. 

Since then, he has been very vocal about faith, giving praise to Lord after his boxing victories. 

Joshua and Usyk faced each other during a rematch in Saudi Arabia on Sunday - Usyk won on a split points decision after the pair went the full 12 rounds. 

Usyk continued: "I devout this victory to my country, to my family, to my team to all people, military who are defending the country, thank you so much." 

It's understood Usyk was fighting on the frontline in Kyiv, but left the country in March to prepare his rematch with Joshua.

Last year, the Ukrainian-born boxer took the heavyweight world champion title from Anthony Joshua. 

"This is already history, many generations will watch this fight, especially the round when someone tried to beat me hard but I stand it and turned it in a different way. Thanks God," Usyk continued. 

When asked about his future and whether he will become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, he said:  "Only God knows if I will or not. Thanks Lord for everything."