Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk spoke intimately about his time defending his homeland. This era noticed him photographed holding a rifle and standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Ukrainian troopers.
The haunting photographs sparked years of hypothesis over whether or not Usyk ever had to make use of his weapon. Now, greater than three years later, WBN discovered an interview the place the heavyweight king set the document straight.
The Journey Dwelling
On seeing his household for the primary time in months throughout the startling first interval of the battle, Usyk detailed his journey again to his homeland.
“I needed to cancel a direct flight to Kyiv,” Usyk informed Profiboxing.cz upon his return a few years in the past. “I got here again through Poland. It took a day to get to Kyiv. Then one other two to see my household, and I calmed down a bit.”
The unified champion’s return was fraught with rigidity. After reuniting along with his family members, Usyk joined native volunteers working to safeguard key areas as combating intensified close by.
‘I Could Have Picked Up a Gun, However I Would By no means Use It’
Within the midst of these chaotic days, pictures of Usyk armed with a rifle started circulating worldwide — prompting reward, rumors, and questions.
Usyk has now made his place clear.
“I’ll have picked up a gun, however that doesn’t imply I might use it,” he stated firmly. “I by no means shot anybody.”
He credited his religion for guiding him by means of the ordeal.
“I used to be introduced up within the Orthodox religion, which teaches us to not choose others. However for me, whoever helps battle is a schizophrenic, a sick individual.”
Household Beneath Risk
Usyk additionally described the trauma skilled by his household and neighbors throughout these early assaults.
“I do know they shot at our home, broke down the gate, and dragged away a few of our neighbors,” he stated. “However I don’t know what it appears like there now. We will’t get in contact with anybody. It’s horrible when yours run to cover within the basement at each rustle.”
A Champion’s Perspective
Requested what he would say to these behind the violence, Usyk’s reply was measured and impassive.
“What would I say to him? Nothing. I’m not within the man. I’ve nothing to say to him.”
For Usyk, boxing grew to become a strategy to course of the expertise — a spotlight that saved him grounded.
“I didn’t assume for a second that I might keep there. This combat will likely be particular for me in that respect.”
In regards to the Creator
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of expertise overlaying the worldwide combat scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s greatest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and be taught extra about his work in fight sports activities journalism.
