Boxing

Usyk talks about war in Ukraine, decision to leave, Klitschko, Joshua rematch


“Compared to war, boxing is a child’s game.”

WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk gave his first interview since leaving the fight in Ukraine in preparation for his rematch with Anthony Joshua.

Usyk had a frank talk with Blockasset and talked about the first time he heard about the conflict in his homeland.

“5am or maybe 4:30am when I get a text from my wife. I understand that Ukraine will close its airspace to civilian flights.

“We went to the airport to change our plane tickets and fly to Poland. In Poland, we were picked up at the airport by friends. He drove us to the Polish-Ukrainian border. There we caught another car that took us to another Ukrainian city, and we were able to go directly to Kyiv from there. I have gutted. I couldn’t understand what was going on and felt worried for my family but when I come home and see my family, children, wife and loved ones, I feel a little better.”

Usyk and former lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko traveled to Ukraine to join the fight against Russia. The Klitschko brothers, including Mayor Kyiv Vitali, are ready to do their part for the men, women and children of their country.

“It’s quite interesting that when I was a kid, I watched them [the Klitschkos] on TV that I personally got to know them and then represent their company,” Usyk said.

“Now I have very good, very friendly relationships with both Vitali and Wladimir. We call each other regularly and support each other in good times and especially in difficult times. It was a real pleasure to mingle with them. They are smart guys and I have a pretty friendly relationship with both of them.”

The decision to leave Ukraine was not an easy one for Usyk but he found support from his brothers, who themselves dominated the heavyweight division for several years.

“I spoke to them and both – Vitali and Wladimir supported me in my decision to start training for the next match. It wasn’t easy for me, but I’ve made my decision so here I am and I’ve started preparing for the rematch with Anthony Joshua. ”

Usyk later opened up about the impact of war on his friends and family.

“Luckily I didn’t see much war but what I did see and what I knew from my relatives and friends was horrible. Some of my friends are missing and we don’t know where they are. Many of my loved ones lost their homes, friends and loved ones.

“Honestly, all that is going on right now is pretty horrible in Ukraine. Every day I pray for an end to this horror as soon as possible. Compared to war boxing is a child’s game. War is a terrible thing I would not wish for my worst enemy. “

With preparations now underway for his second fight with Joshua, Usyk is trying to focus on the task ahead and forget about any distractions and future fights.

“I have to train hard during training so that I can perform at my best. To show all I can,” he said.

“After the rematch with Anthony Joshua, we can start talking about the Tyson Fury fight. In other words, now I want to focus on my preparation as much as possible because right now I can’t stop thinking about the war, about my friends in Ukraine and I have to get rid of those thoughts as much as possible. good to be able to. prepared thoroughly for the match against Joshua.”





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