The Russo-Ukrainian War has affected many lives in the past few years. While the war seems far from over, big-hearted athletes like the heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk have constantly supported their motherland with whatever effort they can put forward.
Usyk, who became the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024, recently visited Irpin, a war-ridden city on the outskirts of Kyiv. Previously, he raised funds for the apartment building that housed his acquaintance Oleksii Dzhunkivskyi’s boxing gym. The latter lost his life after the invading soldier reportedly shot him in his boxing gym.
In a recent UNITED24 press release, the heavyweight champ extended his condolences for Oleksii. He added that the boxing gym “will continue to exist” in the same apartment. Usyk said (according to talkSPORT),
“I decided to purchase all necessary sports equipment so 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 recently helped UNITED24 raise £224,000 to reconstruct a house at 14-H Lysenka Street. Interestingly, he also donated a hefty £ 150,000 to the noble cause.
Oleksandr Usyk Urges World To See The Massive Destruction By Russia
The heavyweight champ, who was earlier part of Kyiv’s territorial defense force, voiced his discomfort with his neighboring country’s full-fledged invasion. In the statement, he said,
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“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.”
It remains to be seen whether the world listens to Oleksandr Usyk’s pleas or not. But one thing is evident: The heavyweight champ is fully committed to helping his motherland in its worst phase.
Also Read: Oleksandr Usyk’s Promoter Responds to Tyson Fury’s Rematch Rumors on Instagram
