ANTHONY JOSHUA and Dillian Whyte’s former Russian opponent Alexander Povetkin appears to have backed his country’s invasion of Ukraine by making a shock reference to fighting back ‘Nazism’.
The Vladimir Putin led war has now entered its fifth day with Russia unable to take Kyiv despite the bloodshed.
Alexander Povetkin appears to have backed his country’s invasion of UkraineCredit: AlamyThe former Russian boxer has made a shock reference to fighting back ‘Nazism’Credit: Getty
As the fierce fighting continues to escalate, emotional and touching scenes of unity have occurred at a number of sporting events over the past few days.
And a number of sporting stars have voiced their defiance against the war.
However, former heavyweight boxer Povetkin, 42, looks have a much different view on it.
He posted a snap of himself in front of his country’s flag and wrote: “There is power in the truth. This famous phrase uttered by Sergey Bodrov today reflects the essence of what is happening in Ukraine.
“We fought for the truth all these years, while Slavs were being exterminated in the Donbass.
“That’s why I’m a member and his decision to stand up for common people, to fight back Nazism, which parasites at whose expense.
“Every war has an end. Let’s hope this one end [sic] in the coming days too.”
Famous Russian actor Bodrov became a cult figure after his death and starred in movies such as Brat and Brat II and is viewed as a vision of Russian power after he said the phrase used by Povetkin.
The veteran, who lost to AJ back in 2018 via TKO, caused a huge shock by knocking out Whyte in August 2020.
But the Brit gained his revenge last March by KOing Povetkin in the fourth round of their rematch.
On the other side, Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko has followed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk by returning to his country.
He has enlisted in the territorial army in a bid to help defend his nation against the Russians.
