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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua tells of his respect for rival Oleksandr Usyk for fighting on frontline during Ukraine war with Russia

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA has nothing but respect for rival Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their massive heavyweight showdown.Five months after Usyk stripped AJ of his WBA, IBF and WBO belts, the Ukrainian hero was defending his country on the frontline.
      Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk will renew their rivalry on SaturdayCredit: GETTY
      Slick southpaw Usyk outpointed AJ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last SeptemberCredit: REUTERS
      Usyk has had to prepare for the rematch amid the backdrop of war in his native UkraineCredit: INSTAGRAM
      AJ has the utmost respect for Usyk defending his homelandCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The 35-year-old southpaw slung a machine gun over his shoulder to patrol with the Ukraine Defence Battalion but prayed he would never have to kill a Russian invader.
      A devout husband and father of three, Usyk only left to start his training camp when injured victims in military hospitals urged him to head for Jeddah and win Saturday’s rematch for national pride.
      And Watford hero Joshua, 32, said: “If it was me, yes, it would definitely have an impact and I don’t know if it would be positive or negative.
      “I don’t know how I would deal with it but I know it would be tough.
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      “I have never lived in anything like a conflict like that, so I don’t know the sort of ramifications it would have on me.
      “I respect what he has done 100 per cent. It’s his home, isn’t it — you have to defend your home.
      “It is such a shame that civilians get the worst end of the bargain in wars, when it is a political issue. He is just trying to defend his community so I respect him.
      “I think I would have done the same, not as a boxer or a warrior, just as a general person.
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      “People have decided not to leave and to defend their homes. That has nothing to do with being a warrior. I respect what he has done.”
      Joshua was convincingly outpointed at Tottenham’s new stadium in September.
      So instantly snapping up the rematch just hours after the unanimous decision was a bold move.
      Saudi Arabia’s £80million offer to stage and control the event has held up proceedings.
      The Englishman said: “We looked at suitable dates for him and his team.
      “It was important for them to be ready rather than us forcing a date upon them.
      “I didn’t want us to say, ‘This is the date it has to be’. I wanted us to work together. That’s the way we show compassion.
      Joshua will be hoping for salvation in the Saudi desert next weekendCredit: GETTY

      🥊 AJ vs Usyk 2 date, live stream and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
      But Joshua was also compassionate enough to offer Usyk — who suffered a 22lb weight loss owing to stress in a Kyiv bunker — time to make the right decision for himself and his family.
      “He wanted to compete and defend the belts. It was scheduled for around June 11, then it changed for his and Saudi’s reasons.
      “But I feel like it has now worked out for everyone in the long run.”
      WBC champion Tyson Fury, 34, is expected to leap out of another supposed retirement to face the winner of the clash.
      The 6ft 9in Morecambe fighter has been rudely dismissive of Usyk’s threat to him, based on his old amateur days as a middleweight.
      And he has even accused the former undisputed cruiserweight king of using steroids to aid his undefeated climb up the weight classes.
      But the gap-toothed leftie revealed the Gypsy King did not dare insult him when they met in December 2021 at a New York show.
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      When he was reminded of Fury’s jibes, Usyk said: “Of course, he never said it to my face. I want to laugh every time I watch him and listen to him.
      “He told me completely different things to my face — but I am not going to tell you what he told me. I know we are going to be fighting one day.”
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      in Boxing

      Inside Oleksandr Usyk’s life in Russian-occupied Crimea as he infuriated Putin by declaring loyalty to Ukraine

      by

      THIS year, Oleksandr Usyk prepared for the biggest fight of his life… but it wasn’t in the ring.Despite a scheduled money-spinning Anthony Joshua rematch, which finally takes place on August 20 in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian put his career on hold for a battle closer to home.
      Oleksandr Usyk is seen holding a machine gun after joining the war effort in Ukraine
      The fighter was born in in the Crimean city of Simferopol but is now based in Kyiv with his family.
      And Usyk put on his army fatigues and joined the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces in Kyiv back in February.
      In doing so, he was defending his country and seeking revenge for the Russians annexing his hometown of Simferopol in 2014.
      He wears the Ukrainian flags’ colours with pride in the ring.
      Wearing his heart on his gloves
      When Usyk outclassed Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year, written on his gloves ‘Simferopol’ and ‘Ukraine’.
      As he celebrated a famous victory on points, he gleefully wore the yellow and blue flag on his shoulders.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}JOSH BOSH .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Joshua told to RUGBY TACKLE Usyk and make him a ‘sitting duck’ in Saudi rematch
      “The belts are going home,” Usyk said in an Instagram video shortly after the fight.
      While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Facebook to write: “Ukraine has reclaimed what belongs to it!”
      Usyk returned to Kyiv a hero, and declared his intentions to bring the belts home to Crimea to show them off to his coach.
      But this drew some criticism – with some Ukrainians questioning a belief he has shared that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people”.
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      Just months after outclassing Anthony Joshua, Usyk put a rematch on hold to fight for his countryCredit: Getty
      He also travelled to the front lines in eastern Ukraine to teach Ukrainian army soldiers how to box.
      It was, perhaps, a mystery where his loyalties lay – until just a few months ago.
      Ready for battle
      Clutching a machine gun, Usyk posed alongside his comrades, including Andrii Nebytov, the head of the Kyiv Police and revealed he had joined the army.
      The married father-of-three then took to social media to stand up to Putin.
      “Good morning to everybody. My name is Oleksandr Usyk. I’d like to speak to the people of Russia. 
      “If we consider ourselves as brothers, Orthodox ones, do not send your children to our country, do not fight with us. 
      “Also I’m addressing this to the President, Vladimir Putin. You can stop this war. 
      After his famous win, Usyk proudly waved the Ukraine flag in the ringCredit: AP
      Usyk celebrates winning Olympic gold for Ukraine at the 2012 OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Please just sit down and negotiate it with us without claims. 
      “Our kids, wives, grannies are hiding in the basements. We are here in our own country, we cannot do it any other way.
      “We are defending. Stop this war, stop it. No War.”
      He was joined by boxing heroes the Klitschko brothers and Vasiliy Lomachenko in the battle.
      Reportedly, an infuriated Putin put a bounty on their heads.
      That meant the planned rematch with Joshua was delayed. But AJ supported Usyk’s decision, and championed the boxers sticking up for their country.
      “I have learned that sport and politics go hand-in-hand,” Joshua said.
      “They have powerful voices and it is good that they are speaking up.
      “They are not pushing for war, they are calling for peace. Good luck to them.”
      But that didn’t sit well with Chairman of the Crimean Parliament Vladimir Konstantinov, who stripped him of his honours with Crimea.
      Usyk has repeatedly called for an end to warCredit: Reuters
      Russian president Vladimir Putin has been slammed by UsykCredit: Alamy
      As reported by RIA, he said: “These are [people] who arranged and welcomed the water and energy blockade of Crimea, who question the fairness and legitimacy of our return to Russia, who stained themselves with Russophobia.
      “Such people are not worthy of a good memory.”
      Not only did returning home come at a price with his Crimea roots – it also affected his appearance.
      Usyk’s wife Yekaterina shared: “Oleksandr lost 10 kilograms in a week of the war. He was so horrified, in such shock, he was so torn apart…
      “He saw what I was doing. I said, ‘Sasha, please, people are asking, we must speak, somehow support.’
      “But it’s very difficult for him. But he still goes on the air, he says something. His position is clear. He has always been for Ukraine, he has always glorified it and will glorify it, as long as his health and strength last.”
      Back to training
      In March, Usyk was given permission to leave Kyiv and start training again for his rematch with Joshua.
      The pair will go head-to-head in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with the WBA, WBO and IBF championship belts on the line.
      But, despite everything he’s seen and knows, he won’t use the war in Ukraine as motivation for the blockbuster bout.
      “My friends and people close to me, they have died in the war. When so many people are suffering I don’t have any idea how it can influence anything positively,” Usyk said in a press conference last month.
      “I was there for one month and I saw with my own eyes what happened there… the rockets flying and fighter jets flying. It’s horrible.”
      He also chillingly spoke about death.
      “Every day I was there, I was praying and asking: ‘Please, God, don’t let anybody try to kill me.
      “Please don’t let anybody shoot me. And please don’t make me shoot any other person.”
      As he’s been away, Russian soldiers have ransacked his Vorzel home after using it as their living quarters.
      In March, Usyk returned to his training camp with his country’s blessingCredit: Alamy
      On August 20, Usyk will face off against Anthony Joshua in their rematchCredit: AFP
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}KICKED OFF .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I’ve been locked out of my home of 15 years… I deserve to live there
      Whatever happens in the ring in the Middle East, nothing will compare to the atrocities of the war.
      And you can bet when that match is over, he will return to his homeland ready for a whole new battle. Defending his country. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham become first Prem club to take advantage of Fifa’s Ukraine war rule after transfer of Shakhtar’s Manor Solomon

      by

      FULHAM have become the first Premier League club to take advantage of FIFA’s ruling allowing players in Ukraine to suspend their contracts amid the war.The Cottagers have landed Israeli forward Manor Solomon from Shakthar Donetsk on a one-year deal.
      Fulham have completed the signing of Manor Solomon from Shakhtar DonetskCredit: Rex
      Fulham have taken advantage of Fifa’s rules by signing Manor SolomonCredit: Rex
      In June, Fifa decided to extend its ruling which allows foreign players and coaches based in Ukraine to suspend their contracts.
      The current deal means that Solomon is currently expected to return to Donetsk in June 2023 – though Fulham could then strike a new agreement with the club to extend his stay.
      As part of the ruling, Fulham must wait until August 1 to register Solomon, though he has been training with his new team-mates and joined them on the pre-season trip to Portugal.
      Solomon said: “I’m really happy and delighted to be here at Fulham and I can’t wait to feel the special atmosphere at Craven Cottage.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ronaldo’s children ‘enrol in Portuguese school’, Liverpool’s Bellingham link
      “There are some great players here and I am determined to help Fulham achieve its goals for the year.
      “I also want to send a big hug to my friends and supporters in Ukraine. You are in my thoughts.”
      Foreign players in Ukraine were initially allowed to suspend their deals from March – when Russia’s invasion began – but most Leagues banned the arrival of players outside of the transfer window.
      Southampton and Leicester held talks to bring in Solomon’s team-mate Tete last season but were blocked by the Premier League’s decision.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Brazilian ended up with French side Lyon after Ligue 1 allowed its clubs to take advantage of the ruling.
      Solomon is Fulham’s third signing of the summer after Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira, with Swiss right-back Kevin Mbabu set to join from Wolfsburg after completing his medical over the weekend. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Dynamo Kyiv and Fenerbahce stars wear ‘Stop War’ shirts as Ukrainians draw emotional first game since Russian invasion

      by

      FENERBAHCE stood in solidarity with Dynamo Kyiv ahead of their Champions League qualifier.The Turkish side wore “STOP WAR” t-shirts as Dynamo lined up for their first match since December following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
      Fenerbahce stars Willian Arao (left) and Atilla Szalai wore ‘STOP WAR’ t-shirtsCredit: Getty
      Dynamo Kyiv players covered themselves with Ukraine flagsCredit: Getty
      Ukrainians turned out in their numbers in Lodz, PolandCredit: Getty
      Dynamo will now travel to Istanbul for the second leg after battling to a goalless draw in their adoptive home of Lodz, Poland. 
      Uefa ordered Ukrainian teams to play abroad in neutral territory to avoid the risk of getting caught up in the conflict.
      Dynamo boss Mircea Lusesca is happy to be back playing competitive football after a difficult period for him and his players.
      Lucescu became a figurehead for Ukrainian resistance during the early days of the invasion by pledging not to leave the country and seek sanctuary elsewhere.

      Kyiv bosses sent the squad to Bucharest for safety in April and they have played a series of “peace” friendlies since.
      Lucescu, though, has declined offers from suitors, including tonight’s opponents – who instead appointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus, in charge for the first time this evening – to show his commitment to the club and country.
      And speaking ahead of the tie, he said: “Football is a part of everyone’s life.
      “It was important in the pandemic and now it gives hope, enthusiasm and motivation to life.
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      “There is a terrible war going on, in Europe, and this is to remind everyone it is not over.
      “We may not have played any competitive matches and the sooner our league restarts the better but we have won 18 out of 21 friendlies.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Dynamo Kyiv out to ‘put smile back on face of Ukraine’ in first game since Russian invasion in Champions League play-off

      by

      DYNAMO KYIV coach Mircea Lucescu pledged to “put a smile back on the face of Ukraine”.The veteran Romanian, 76, leads his side into Champions League qualifying action against Fenerbahce in a match played in the Polish city of Lodz because of the continuing Russian invasion.
      Dynamo Kyiv will play their first competitive game since the Russian invasion on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      Dynamo Kyiv Mircea Lucescu hopes his side can put a smile back on the face of UkraineCredit: Getty
      Wednesday night’s game will be the first competitive match any Ukrainian side has played since DECEMBER following the outbreak of war which forced the curtailment of the domestic season which went into hibernation for its annual winter break.
      Lucescu became a figurehead for Ukrainian resistance during the early days of the invasion by pledging not to leave the country and seek sanctuary elsewhere.
      Kyiv bosses sent the squad to Bucharest for safety in April and they have played a series of “peace” friendlies since.
      Lucescu, though, has declined offers from suitors, including tonight’s opponents – who instead appointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus, in charge for the first time this evening – to show his commitment to the club and country.

      But with bombs still falling, even on the outskirts of the country’s capital, Uefa declared Ukraine an unsafe location and ordered all “home” matches involving clubs to be played on neutral territory.
      While a number of displaced Ukrainians have sought sanctuary in Poland, the switch will also enable far more Turkish fans to be present.
      Lucescu, who was a controversial and unpopular choice to take over at Kyiv in 2020 after his long association with bitter rivals Shakhtar Donetsk, has now become a unifying cult figure.
      He said: “Football is a part of everyone’s life. It was important in the pandemic and now it gives hope, enthusiasm and motivation to life.
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      “There is a terrible war going on, in Europe, and this is to remind everyone it is not over.
      “We may not have played any competitive matches and the sooner our league restarts the better but we have won 18 out of 21 friendlies.” More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘Daddy, why do they want to kill us?’ – Usyk kids’ terror as bombs dropped in Ukraine and Russians ransacked his house

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK had every answer for Anthony Joshua’s poorly-planned attack last September – but could not explain to his children why Russia wants to kill them.When bombs started landing on his Ukraine home on February 24 – his daughter Yelizaveta’s birthday – the erudite 35-year-old father-of-three just could not find the words.
      Oleksandr Usyk’s children in Kiev during the Russian bombing campaignCredit: https://twitter.com/UkraineAtamans/status/1498835746135986178
      Credit: https://twitter.com/UkraineAtamans/status/1498835746135986178
      The family house innocent schoolkids Kyrylo, Mykhailo and Yelizaveta once shared with their parents in Vorzel, Bucha was overrun by Vladimir Putin’s ransackers.
      Every material element Usyk had worked for and earned was up in smoke and the wannabe-Hollywood-actor-turned-unified-heavyweight-king had no script to lean on.
      He said: “My children are asking: ‘Daddy, why do they want to kill us?’ I don’t know how to answer that.
      “My family are not in Ukraine now but a lot of people I know and a lot of my close friends are inside the country. 
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’OTHER LIFE IN UNIVERSE’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Joshua believes in aliens – but they could just be ‘worm in water’
      “I am in touch with them every day, I am asking them for updates.
      “I didn’t want to leave the country. I want to live there, still. Straight after the fight I will go back to Ukraine.”
      Usyk fled his home to join the Kiev Defence Battalion, had a machine gun slung over his shoulder by February 28, yet still prayed he would not have to use it against a Russian rampager.
      It took special dispensation from iconic president Volodymyr Zelensky and his beloved wife Yekaterina – and inspiring words from wounded Ukrainian soldiers – to convince him to flee his besieged home and fight in gloves in the ring for our mere entertainment on August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
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#dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-dzrove{color:rgba(37,129,145,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-dzrove:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FROCHS IN HIS HEAD .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Anthony Joshua ‘needs a brain transplant’ to beat Usyk, says Froch
      He added: “I really didn’t want to leave my country or my city but I went to a hospital where soldiers were wounded and getting rehabilitation from the war and they were telling me, asking me to go and fight for my country and for my pride.
      “They told me that If I go and fight there I am even going to help our country more than if I stayed and fought in the war.
      “It took me only one day of the war to understand completely that everything I have, everything that I have achieved, all my belts, all my titles, I can lose it in just one second.
      “Russian soldiers went into a house of mine, broke a fence and all sorts of different things. They made living spaces and stayed there for a while.
      Usyk with his wife Yekaterina in happier timesCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      “Every day I was there I would pray to the Lord, please don’t let anybody try to kill me, don’t let anybody shoot me and please don’t make me have to shoot any other person. 
      “But if I had felt any danger, or that me or my family’s lives were in jeopardy, I would have to.”
      Somehow this southpaw force of nature is busy preparing for a boxing match in scorching hot Jeddah, where he is in line to net a £50million windfall.
      Since those first Spring explosions wrecked his world title celebrations, his journey has taken him through London, Sheffield, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and now Dubai.
      Wounded soldiers told me that If I go and fight there I am even going to help our country more than if I stayed and fought in the war.Oleksandr Usyk
      And he is desperate to return to his ravaged home to inspire his beleaguered compatriots and try to restore peace to the home he adores.
      When asked when he will shut off the heartbreaking updates, to focus on the fight, he revealed: “I’m going to be following every single day to hear what’s happening in my country.
      “If all of this wasn’t happening I would be preparing for the fight at home.
      Usyk (second right) armed to fight the Russian forces in UkraineCredit: Refer to Caption
      “But war is not motivating me. It would be crazy to be motivated by the war.
      “In their country they are not showing the truth. They are not showing that bombs are landing in civilian houses, or in a birthing hospital, or a few days ago a rocket landed in a shopping mall.
      “Their soldiers, their people are saying on the TV that we are shooting each other.”
      Incredibly this plight has not forced the Orthodox Christian to question his faith.
      Instead he steadfastly believes this latest challenge is a gift from God that will help him overcome AJ and his new training team once again.
      “I’ve watched the fight many times,” he said. “Me and the whole team have, looking for mistakes I made and things to work on to make sure they are gone.
      Usyk and Anthony Joshua at their press conference this weekCredit: Getty
      “I don’t even think about him or whatever he wants to do, his new tactics or new trainers. I really don’t care – I’m only thinking about what I want to do. 
      “When I fight I don’t think about what I’m supposed to do, only about winning.
      “Since I was 16 years old I prayed to the Lord and – every time I feel something is difficult for me – I thank him. 
      Even more terrifying for Joshua than Usyk’s Cossack-warrior haircut, gap-toothed grin and unwavering faith, is his vow to have improved again on his almost faultless display on forign soil last year.
      And any clever quips or funky dance moves you might see between now and August 20 are cover-ups to flog the PPV and mask the agony inside.
      I would pray to the Lord, please don’t let anybody try to kill me, don’t let anybody shoot me and please don’t make me have to shoot any other person Oleksandr Usyk
      The ruthless leftie, who dressed up as Joaquin Phoenix’s terrifying Joker character last summer explained: “Sometimes I just force myself to smile, or I force myself to sing or to dance. 
      “But I don’t even know how to explain all of this.
      “I’ve watched the first fight many times looking for mistakes I made and things to work on to make sure they are gone.
      “We are working very hard and trying to be better in this next fight. We are making new goals and – with the Lord’s help – we are going to be even better.
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      “I know a lot of my close friends are on the front line, standing and fighting so all I am doing right now is supporting them. 
      “With this fight I want to bring them some joy in between what they do.” More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk’s journey out of Ukraine took him via Hungary & Czech Republic with senior officials wanting him to fight

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK’S journey from Ukraine’s frontline to the Jeddah desert and his Anthony Joshua rematch can be revealed by SunSport.The 35-year-old London 2012 Olympic champion flew back into the capital last September to dethrone fellow golden boy AJ of his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.
      Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua in a lopsided points decision last DecemberCredit: Getty
      The pair will renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia on August 20Credit: GETTY
      Usyk’s journey to the rematch has been a long, tumultuous and dangerous oneCredit: INSTAGRAM@USYKAA
      But before he could even sign the rematch contract, while on a February trip to the UK his country was plunged into war against Vladimir Putin’s invaders.
      With help from a source inside the 19-0 freedom fighter’s camp, we can reveal the emotional and physical voyage Usyk has undertaken to defend much more than his titles on August 20.
      SPRING INTO ACTION
      Usyk left his home for London on February 21 for some business but knew he had to be back on the 24th for daughter Yelizaveta’s birthday.
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SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’HE’S AFRAID OF ME’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Usyk laughs at Fury’s outrageous £500m fight demand ahead of AJ rematch
      He visited London to watch Chelsea’s 2-0 Champions League win over Lille on the 22nd and then a Sheffield gym to shoot for a video game on the 23rd.
      But on the morning of the 24th, the first rockets and bombs exploded in Kyiv and all air travel and connections were stopped.
      Knowing he had a house full of guests, friends and associates from all over Ukraine for his family celebrations, Usyk hatched a plan to get back.
      He took a Eurostar to Brussels and then a train on to Poland and then came up to the Ukraine border to cross as a pedestrian.
      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
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      But officials would not let him pass as a pedestrian. Thankfully he met another Ukrainian crossing in his car so they loaded up in his vehicle and progressed.
      It took him around two days to get home, with the road trip from the border to his home ten hours alone.
      TAKING UP ARMS
      By February 28, Usyk was already defending his people with a machine gun over his shoulder.
      He joined the Kyiv Territorial Defence military group to defend the area where he and his family live and, together with his friends, they formed a group to defend their territory.
      Our source revealed: “He had a machine gun, as everyone in the group did. It was loaded but he was praying every day that it would remain silent so he would never have to shoot.
      “Thankfully God heard his prayers and he never had to.
      “But another house he lived in previously was attacked and occupied by Russians.”
      Usyk stayed in the basement of his house, together with all the guests who came to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
      He lost around 22lb in weight during his time, too stressed to train or eat well.
      Usyk took up arms following Russia’s invasion of his homelandCredit: INSTAGRAM
      FIGHT OR FLIGHT
      Around March 25 — after almost a month of life-or-death hiding and patrolling — Usyk took to social media to confirm, after some deep soul searching, the rematch was agreed and he would be leaving Kyiv.
      The wannabe Hollywood actor was against leaving Ukraine so had asked his wife Yekaterina to leave and take their children to a safe place. She said she would never leave Ukraine without him.
      Usyk’s devotion to his country would not let him leave instantly so he stayed a couple more weeks and spent time with the military guards and his friends on the front line.
      He met them and talked to them and visited hospitals with the wounded soldiers.
      But Ukraine’s brightest minds and most powerful voices finally convinced him he could achieve more on the world sporting stage than on the front line.
      He spoke to many powerful people and they all advised him on returning to boxin. His team then officially applied to the minister of sport to give Usyk and his team permission to leave the country and start his training camp.
      They received that official permission from sports minister Vadym Gutzeit after he spoke to the President and Prime Minister Zelensky and they all confirmed Usyk should go and represent Ukraine on the world scene.
      Usyk stood side by side with his countrymen before getting permission to leave
      HUNGARY FOR SUCCESS
      Usyk and his small and dedicated team met in Western Ukraine and drove across the border to Hungary and stayed in Budapest for a night. Then they moved to the Czech Republic.
      Despite reports, the convoy never crossed the border into Poland and never stayed in Poland.
      Team Usyk stayed in the Czech Republic for around two weeks, starting his training camp there together with Polissya Zhytomyr, the football team he made his debut for in a February 4 friendly.
      When the fight was confirmed the group made their way to Dubai via car and plane and set up home in the Box IQ gym where he hopes to acclimatise quicker and better than AJ, who remains in Loughborough.
      Usyk began training camp in the Czech Republic for two weeks before heading to DubaiCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The unified heavyweight champ has proudly flown the Ukrainian flag during the tumultuous few monthsCredit: Alamy
      Usyk will have to put the hardships at home behind him retain his titles against AJCredit: Mark Robinson
      STATE OF EMERGENCY AND MIND
      Usyk looked refuelled and powerful at the Jeddah media events last week. He won their face-off at the press conference, forcing AJ to break their stare first.
      The maverick danced in the mocked-up ring right in front of Joshua, while filming a promo, and then threw more shapes with ringside fans.
      The champ, we are told, is back to his terrifying best and already has WBC champ Tyson Fury on his busy mind.
      Our insider said: “It is true that Usyk lost a lot of weight but most Ukrainians lost a lot of weight at the start of the war because you cannot feel hungry sitting around in a basement hiding from explosions.
      “After we moved to his training camp he got completely focused on his objection to fight and beat AJ in the rematch.
      “The team has been working on his physical and mental health and you could see from the press conference that he is completely OK and his mental and physical health are on a high level. His condition and motivation are the best they can be.
      “He is on target to defend his titles and his status as the unified heavyweight champion and then moved to become the undisputed champion.
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      “It will make history as the first man ever to be undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight, in the four belt era.”
      It will be some story.
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      I’m boxing a Ukrainian but I’m fighting for Ukraine and helping war victims, says big-hearted boxing hero Anthony Joshua

      by

      BIG-hearted boxing hero Anthony Joshua has told The Sun of his heartbreak at the plight of strife-torn Ukraine — and how he is helping war victims.The deposed world heavyweight champ, 32, faces the biggest fight of his life in August against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, who took his four heavyweight crowns last year.
      Fighting force Joshua donates funds to Ukraine and paid respect to opponent UsykCredit: Dan Charity
      Oleksandr Usyk & Anthony JoshuaCredit: Reuters
      AJ visited The Sun’s London office and put his feat up on our picture deskCredit: Dan Charity
      On a visit to The Sun’s offices yesterday, he revealed he has been quietly making donations for months, buying medical supplies to ease civilian suffering in Ukraine.
      And Joshua even paid tribute to 35-year-old hardman Usyk – who has been given special permission to take a break from fighting Russians to train for the rematch.
      Battling Brit Anthony saluted Ukraine’s courage, but yesterday pledged to batter Usyk to become one of boxing’s comeback kings alongside boxing greats Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
      Speaking of Ukraine’s plight at the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Joshua told The Sun: “It upsets me how civilians always suffer the most.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GLOVE STORY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}AJ says he’s still pals with with ex-coach McCracken despite brutal axe
      “The civilians are being hit hardest by the Russian tactics — just carpet bombing an area regardless of who’s there then just occupying it. I find that so upsetting.
      “The whole point of having Nato and these bodies is to sit down and have discussions so civilians don’t get caught up in war and it’s hard to believe it’s happening again.
      “War seems such an old fashioned way of settling scores — surely there are more civilised ways of doing things.”
      Joshua revealed he has been speaking to former Ukrainian rival Wladimir Klitschko, 46, since Putin launched his bloodbath offensive in February, to find out how he can help the embattled nation.
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      He beat Klitschko — brother of fellow heavyweight star and current Kyiv mayor Vitali — in 2017 in an epic fight in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley to retain his world titles.
      But the pair have since become friends and have spoken in recent months since Russia invaded.
      Joshua told The Sun: “I spoke to him about donating to charities. I saw what was happening and just wanted to know if there was any way I could help.
      “I’ve been doing this privately. He recommended I donate to groups taking first aid out to Ukraine.
      “He asked me to do a video but I prefer to try to let my actions speak louder than my words.
      “I try not to go out and buy Lamborghinis and Ferraris, big watches and gold chains and all that stuff and try to use some of my income to helps others.
      “I’m now helping people in Ukraine and Nigeria as well as my own community in the UK and my home town, Watford.
      “I’m giving to Ukraine now, when it matters, because it’s from the heart.”
      I spoke to Klitschko about helping Ukraine. He recommended that I donate to groups sending first aid.Anthony Joshua
      The 6ft 6ins powerhouse’s generosity towards his forthcoming opponent’s nation was revealed in a touching moment as the pair staged a traditional stare-down.
      For decades, boxers have ramped up pre-fight tension by staring at each other with a menacing gaze, refusing to show weakness by breaking first.
      Usyk — who grabbed Joshua’s world titles in one of boxing’s greatest upsets last September — stared blankly at the Brit for nearly two minutes at a pre-fight event in Saudi Arabia, where the pair will fight on August 20.
      But in a break with boxing tradition, Joshua broke first then asked his rival: “How’s your family?” Usyk replied: “Good”, before a smiling AJ offered his hand and said: “Everything in Ukraine — keep your head up, yeah?”
      Joshua told The Sun yesterday: “The face-off doesn’t win the fight and neither does my attitude towards my opponent — winning the fight comes from doing what’s needed on the night. Showing your opponent respect, for me, is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of your character.
      “We offered him enough time so he can prepare properly for the fight as we understood how tough it was for him. We didn’t give him a date he had to stick to.”
      Muhammad Ali was stripped of his world titles in the 60s after refusing to fight in Vietnam — but confounded critics by returning to the ring to win them back.
      And fellow-great George Foreman came out of retirement to win back the World Heavyweight crown at the age of 45 in what is seen as the greatest comeback of all time.
      I try not to buy Ferraris, gold chains and big watches. I try to use some of my income to help others.Anthony Joshua
      Now Joshua is set on joining the ranks of his sport’s comeback kings — to tee up a mega-money showdown with arch rival Tyson Fury, 33, to become undisputed World Heavyweight champ.
      He said: “I used to think creating your status as a legend meant competing with the best and beating the best continuously — not having to come back.
      “But you prove your mettle by coming back and that’s why this fight is so important. It’s 100 per cent the biggest challenge of my life.
      “Coming back shows the other side of a person — how they deal with adversity. The general public can relate to that because when you are constantly winning you don’t seem normal.
      “Now is my chance to showcase the steel that I have — that shows I’m a force to be reckoned with.”
      AJ visited The Sun’s London office yesterday, where he posed with our Gareth Southgate cutout, put his feat up on our picture desk, and had fun in our red bus photo booth.
      And he confirmed his sights are now firmly set on hauling WBC and The Ring world champion Tyson Fury, out of retirement for a Battle of Britain.
      Earlier this week, Gypsy King Fury — who has never been defeated — taunted AJ sneering: “He couldn’t beat me up if he had a baseball bat and I was asleep.”
      But Joshua said: “Tyson Fury can say whatever he likes about me but I won’t trash talk him now — I’ll do that when the time is right. Usyk is on my mind for now.”
      Anthony at The Sun’s bus photo boothCredit: Dan Charity
      Joshua posed with our Gareth Southgate cutoutCredit: Dan Charity
      Pals Joshua and KlitschkoCredit: Getty More