Usyk Returns To Ukraine To Raise War Awareness
Oleksandr Usyk has returned to his home country of Ukraine to raise awareness over the country’s struggles due to the war with Russia.
Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion after beating Tyson Fury via a split decision. It was a momentous occasion as Usyk became the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The win also made him undisputed in a second weight class following his feat at cruiserweight. Wladimir Klitschko stated that the win was massive for Ukraine, as it would inspire the next generation of people.
Usyk Returns
Usyk has been on the front line, joining Kyiv’s territorial defence. He would then leave the army to continue representing his country in boxing. Usyk has now come back to Ukraine and has visited Irpin, an area on the outskirts of Kyiv. His prior work included raising £224,000 for UNITED24, £150,000 of which he donated himself to help rebuild a house which had been damaged on 14-H Lysenka Street.
“Thanks to Usyk, 40 families were able to return to their homes. The undisputed champion met with one such family. Diana, along with her husband and children, left Irpin at the beginning of March 2022. The next day, an enemy shell hit their house, engulfing the fifth floor in flames. Their apartment was reduced to nothing but charred walls. The family dreamed of returning home, and now their dream has become a reality, UNITED24 statement
“I decided to purchase all the necessary sports equipment so that the children can train in comfortable conditions. Although Oleksii is no longer with us, boxing will continue to exist in the gym he founded. The children will keep training, and perhaps one of them will become a new world champion,” Usyk said
Usyk vs. Fury Rematch
The house attracted Usyk since it had a gym where his acquaintance Oleksii Dzhunkivskyi taught young kids boxing. Dzhunkivskyi was sadly killed in the war. Now, Dzhunkivskyi’s wife is continuing the initiative that her late husband started, as Usyk paid a visit. Usyk and Kateryna (his wife) then saw the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital. The hospital was hit on July 8 with a missile. The two interacted with the children who were there as Usyk gave them insights into boxing.
“The world needs to see the grief and massive destruction that Russia is causing to our country. But the world also needs to see the unity and solidarity of the Ukrainian people, which is inspiring. Over 300 people were injured at Okhmatdyt. I wish everyone a speedy recovery,” Usyk added
Uysk’s main focus will now be on rematching Fury. They face off on December 21. The fight will not be undisputed after Usyk vacated his IBF belt. Usyk’s team has said that they will retire Tyson Fury, as the Ukrainian could move back down to cruiserweight. Another alternative is to pursue a crossover fight, as the Ukrainian has achieved everything in the sport. But before he can consider those options, he must get past Fury, who will be desperate to avenge his loss.
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