Heavyweight champion leaves war’s front line to compete in the boxing ring

Ukrainian heavyweight superstar Oleksandr Usyk is leaving war to prepare for his rematch against Anthony Joshua

In a show of strength in and out of the boxing ring, heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk is leaving Ukraine to prepare for his rematch against Anthony Joshua.

He has received permission from the Ukrainian Sports Minister to leave the country during war and will begin training camp for a summer rematch.

The Ukrainian recently enlisted in the Kyiv Territorial Defence and has been fighting on the front lines against Russian aggression.

Ukraine’s martial law bans men fit to serve from leaving the country, but Usyk is exempt from the rule because he has children under the age of 18. He has been officially granted an exemption ‘in the national interest’ by the ministry of defence.

The 35-year-old is one of many former and current Ukrainian boxers who are defending their country. Vasyl Lomachenko has been battling Russian troops, as well as legendary boxing brothers Wladimir and Vitaly Klitschko.

Usyk will now spend the next few months training for the highly anticipated rematch in the UK, in June. Despite the outcome of the match, Usyk has already earned the respect of his competitor and fans around the world.

@bodmasngnews