The Heroic Life of Boxing Champion Oleksandr Usyk
After his historic defeat to Anthony Joshua last year, the path seemed clear for Oleksandr Usyk, continue to box and win titles.
But when Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine, the boxer hung up his gloves and donned his army gear.
In doing so, he defended his country and sought revenge for the Russians who annexed his hometown of Simferopol in 2014.
Throughout the conflict, Usyk has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine, even calling on Putin to hold peace talks.
“Good morning everyone. My name is Oleksandr Usyk. I would like to speak to the people of Russia.
“If we consider ourselves brothers, Orthodox, don’t send your children to our country, don’t fight with us.
“I also address this to the President, Vladimir Putin. You can stop this war.
“Please sit down and negotiate with us without claims.
“Our children, wives, grandmothers are hiding in the cellars. We are here in our own country, we cannot do otherwise.
‘We defend. Stop this war, stop it. No war.’