Boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk returned to the forefront of the Ukrainian army. He defended the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in a rematch with Anthony Joshua on August 20, but is already serving his country.
The fight was scheduled for February but was delayed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when Usyk returned to his homeland to fight the Russians.
The boxer’s manager, Egis Klimas, announced that he returned to the front once again in order to raise the morale of the Ukrainian soldiers.
“When we speak [Usyk] On the front lines in Ukraine. Not with a gun, of course, but it cheers the soldiers up. He supports his country there,” Klimas told talkSPORT.
Also, according to Egis, Usyk’s decision to return to boxing and meet Joshua again was inspired by his visit to a hospital where Ukrainian soldiers were treated.
Klimas claims the boxer found wounded soldiers, some without legs, and were greeted with applause as he entered the infirmary. They insisted that he return to the ring and become a ‘champion’.
Usyk was visibly emotional after the win. “I dedicate this victory to my country, to the entire army that defends the country. Thank you,” he said, while wrapped in a Ukrainian flag.
source: Noticias
