Sports

Oleksandr Usyk’s next bout as heavyweight champion manages ‘unique, personal, emotional situation’ in Ukraine


Oleksandr Usyk is gearing up for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, but with his country at war with Russia, the heavyweight boxing champion from Ukraine is focusing on far more important matters.

So for now, the much-anticipated match is on hold.

“We don’t want the obligation of a rematch to disappear,” Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, who has cheered for Usyk’s four past fights and will push for a rematch with Joshua, told ESPN. “So we will wait as long as Oleksandr Usyk needs during this difficult time for him.”

The 35-year-old returned to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv last week and later joined a battalion defending the territory. Usyk dominated Joshua through a unanimous decision in September to win the unified heavyweight championship and he now owes the Briton a comeback.

Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist, has implemented his rematch clause, which guarantees the 32-year-old another match against Usyk on agreed financial terms. Usyk-Joshua 2 was scheduled for May or June, but with Ukraine defending itself against the Russian invasion, it remains unclear when the fight will happen.

“I really don’t know when I’ll be back in the ring,” Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) told CNN Wednesday in comments translated into English. “My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt.”

Usyk, who has three children, is clearly nervous about what lies ahead, but is also clearly committed.

“I don’t want to shoot,” he said. “I don’t want to kill anyone, but if they’re going to kill me, I won’t have a choice.”

Hearn also told ESPN there’s a chance he’ll book an interim match for Joshua if there’s a lengthy delay.

Hearn, who re-signed Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) to a multi-year deal in September. “So for us, of course, the utmost respect is for Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk’s longtime friend, Olympic gold medalist Vasiliy Lomachenko, also joined a defensive battalion, throwing a potential match on June 5 in Australia against lightweight champion George Kambosos. Boxer Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev, also took up arms, as did his brother, former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Usyk said “the bombing around was crazy” but “there’s nothing to fear… just a sense of confusion. How can this happen in the 21st century?”

“When there’s an air raid alert, we hide,” he added. “[Boxing] helped me calm down and prepare mentally. And it helps me to help others who are panicking and worried. “



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