Oleksandr Usyk’s manager has shed light on the efforts his charge has made to help in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as the relationship he has with those fighting on the frontline.
Alex Krassyuk revealed to Seconds Out that the unified world champion has helped with housing, clothes and food for the people of his homeland and visited Ukrainian soldiers after his second win against Anthony Joshua earlier this year.
“The tragedy’s happening, it’s still happening and it will be happening for sometime. But we stand strong, keep a positive mindset and we can get used to everything, no matter how hard it is.”
“Usyk’s foundation is doing a great job helping the people of Ukraine. Usyk is constructing houses for people, spending his money on vehicles for the frontline and helping common people who are in need of food, clothes – whatever he can.”
“When he fought Joshua the second time, soldiers on the battlefield were still watching him. They sent greetings and support to him, and when he came back he went to visit them.”
Victory for Usyk against Joshua reportedly led to a huge boost in morale for the people of Ukraine, who can now stake a claim to boasting the world’s top heavyweight again after Wladimir Klitschko’s reign ended in 2015.
However, for Uysk to cement his status as top dog in the blue ribbon division, he will have to fight the man who dethroned his countryman all those years ago – WBC world champion Tyson Fury.
The 35 year old was ringside for Fury’s win over Derek Chisora in London earlier this month, and ascended to the ring apron for a post fight face off that sent the boxing world into a frenzy.
Talks for an undisputed clash between the pair are said to be progressing well, with a legacy defining fight in the Middle East believed to be a real possibility for the first half of 2023.