AN ENTIRE nation will back Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night — but it is not just rival Anthony Joshua they have in their sights.
Millions of Ukrainians will be glued to their screens thanks to the generous gesture by Usyk, who gave away the TV rights for free.
They are hoping he delivers a devastating blow to AJ but also gives tyrant Vladimir Putin a bloody nose, too.
The bout is expected to raise $1million to help the war effort and a Usyk victory will provide a huge boost to morale.
Boxing fan Maksyn Drobot, 28, said: “This fight means more than boxing, it means more than sport.
“This fight is about the future of our nation because Usyk is flying our flag.
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“He will show Putin that we are a nation of warriors who will never be defeated.”
The world heavyweight title rematch has gripped the war-ravaged country.
After six months of conflict since Russia’s invasion, the people are desperate for a brief respite from the daily trauma of war.
Sport provides that and boxing has a proud heritage in Ukraine thanks to former greats such as Vitali Klitschko, now mayor of Kyiv.
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Usyk, 35, could have made millions selling the TV rights to the Jeddah fight after Saudi Arabia gifted them to him.
Instead, companies will sponsor the broadcast and donate to the cause while an app called MEGOGO will carry a QR code during the fight to allow viewers to chip in.
Usyk said: “This is a great motivation for my people. My Ukrainian people must see this match.
“We are currently at war. Free broadcasting is very important, the money that people could have used to buy the broadcast, they can use to help someone.”
Maksyn, an IT worker from Lviv, said: “Giving free TV coverage to the entire country is an incredible gesture.
“We were united anyway but this brings us even closer together.
“We cannot imagine anything other than a Usyk victory.”
In contrast to Ukrainians, those in the UK will have to fork out £26.95 to watch the bout on Sky Sports Box Office.
If Usyk retains the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he took off of AJ in September, celebrations will be muted as a curfew remains in force from 11.30pm to 6am.
Those closest to Usyk have also been rallying the nation and their man.
Usyk’s wife, Yekaterina, said: “Russia invaded our country and took our lands. We have to fight for our territory.”
And promoter Alex Krassyuk said: “None of us wanted war. But when thieves break into your home, you protect yourself.
“When enemies come, our sacred duty is to protect our family, our relatives, our Motherland.
“Usyk was no exception in this situation.”
Even if Usyk does lose, the people’s resolve will not break. Maksyn warned: “Even if Joshua manages to land a lucky punch, Putin should know that Ukraine will never be knocked down.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
