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      Chelsea face going BUST after Russian owner Roman Abramovich hit by crippling UK government sanctions

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      CHELSEA FC face going bust after owner Roman Abramovich was hit by crippling sanctions yesterday.The world club champions were banned from selling players or tickets, and their TV money was frozen.
      Chelsea could go bust after crippling curbs were imposed on Russian owner Roman Abramovich
      The official sanctions listing accused Abramovich of getting ‘financial or other material benefit’ from Russia and through his ties to close pal President Vladimir Putin
      Sponsor Three suspended its £40million-a-year shirts deal as fans told of their devastation at the Government crackdown.
      Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Russian oligarchs had “the blood of Ukrainians on their hands”.
      For the first time in the professional game’s history a top team was immediately barred from the transfer market, selling tickets and even earning cash from shirt sales.
      Last night around 1,500 Chelsea fans arrived for the team’s Premier League match at Norwich — many in tears and embracing each other over grave concerns for the future of the West London club.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more on Roman Abramovich.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-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-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-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);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-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}THE PUTIN CONNECTION .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;}Inside Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s relationship with Putin
      Distraught Hadley Smith, 20, from Romford, East London, said: “It’s awful. I am shocked and upset.   The fans will suffer and we don’t deserve this. I’m gutted.
      “I fear the worst. I fear for the future. What if this is the end?”
      Plumber John Davidson, 56, from Basildon, Essex, said: “I’m Chelsea until I die. I’m so worried. We’re fighting for survival.”
      Chelsea fans chanted Abramovich’s name in the first few minutes of last night’s match which the Blues won 3-1. Norwich fans taunted them by responding: “You’re going bust, you’re going bust.”
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      Incredibly, the fears for Chelsea’s existence come just a month after the team won Fifa’s Club World Cup. It has also enjoyed two decades of astonishing success.
      The tough sanctions mean Chelsea are banned from selling match tickets, barred from buying or selling and players, and stripped of money made from shirt sales or other merchandise.
      The club is also stopped from spending broadcast cash or prize money and will be limited to a £500,000 per game spend on security, stewarding and catering.
      Experts said the curbs could yet plunge the Premier League giants into administration.
      Professor Ellis Cashmore, a sports and culture expert, said: “In sporting terms this is seismic. Chelsea probably has enough liquidity to make it through to the summer, and perhaps a bit beyond — but you can bet star players will be on the phone to their agents.
      “The revenue streams are being compromised and the cash will eventually run out. This is not a conventional business, it’s been funded throughout by Abramovich.”
      The oligarch, 55, was sanctioned by the UK Government as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was told the news by email at 9am, learning that the club he valued at £3billion and has been trying to sell quickly was, at a stroke, worthless to him.
      Whitehall sources warned he would not get a penny from any fire sale, leaving the club in limbo.
      Chelsea, with a £333million-a-year wage bill and around 1,000 staff, was granted a special licence until May 31 to carry on trading.
      It made a loss of £145.6million last year and has been bankrolled by Abramovich to the tune of around £1.5billion since his sensational takeover in 2003. In another hammer blow, Chelsea will be limited to spending £20,000 travel expenses per match.
      Their 28,000 season ticket holders will still be allowed to attend home games, but no new tickets can be sold — costing the club an estimated £600,000 per match.
      Within hours of the sanctions, mobile phone network Three said it was suspending its £40million-a-year shirt sponsorship deal.
      Car giant Hyundai said it was “assessing” its own multi-million shirt sleeve sponsorship contract. Abramovich was one of seven ­oligarchs hit by fresh curbs. The official sanctions listing accused him of getting “financial or other material benefit” from Russia and through his ties to close pal President Vladimir Putin.
      Abramovich was also accused of “destabilising Ukraine” through his control of a firm “potentially supplying steel to the Russian military” for use in tanks.
       PM Boris Johnson said: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.” Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said of the oligarchs: “With their close links to Putin they are complicit in his aggression. The blood of the Ukrainian people is on their hands.”
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      The Chelsea Supporters Trust called for fans to be fully included in talks on the way forward.
      It said: “The CST implores the Government to conduct a swift process to minimise the uncertainty over Chelsea’s future and for supporters to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club.”
      Fans’ shut shop woeFANS visiting Stamford Bridge yesterday told of their anger and shock at sanctions.
      One family paid £30,000 to fly to London and wept when they learned the megastore had shut.
      Faris Abdullah, 20, and cousin Syahmi Anuar saved for months for the trip from Malaysia and missed the closure by minutes.
      Faris said: “I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. I’m in tears. We got to London last night and I couldn’t sleep with excitement. I have no idea what will happen to the club now. As fans, we’ve done nothing wrong.”
      Syahmi added: “All my bedroom is decorated Chelsea. The plan was to take back some shirts for friends. This has ruined our visit.”
      Before the store shut at 11am, Kim Boyd, 36, bought the last shirts for sons Jamie, seven, and Brody, six. Kim, visiting from South Africa, said: “We finished the transaction then security came. Customers behind us had to hand back their stuff.”
      Martyn Hardiman, 29, from Guildford, Surrey, barely got a shirt for son Peter, two, and said: “The shop shut seconds later. It’s mad.”
      Taxi driver Paul Richards, 44, added: “I’m not a season ticket holder so I can’t see any more games. I fear for the future.”

      Chelsea have enjoyed two decades of astonishing success under Abramovich
      Last night around 1,500 Chelsea fans arrived for the team’s Premier League match at Norwich
      Chelsea fans chanted Abramovich’s name in the first few minutes
      Chelsea have been bankrolled by Abramovich to the tune of around £1.5billion since his takeover in 2003 More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Roman Abramovich kids’ luxury lives – from wild child to heir of £9bn fortune and hopeful football club owner

      by

      IT’S a decision that has shocked the nation – Roman Abramovich has been struck by massive sanctions for alleged links to Vladimir Putin.
      The 55-year-old had his assets frozen, which means the sale of Chelsea Football Club can’t go ahead and the team will no longer be able to sell new tickets or merchandise or buy new players.
      It’s a family affair for Roman Abramovich while he watches Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with son AaronCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Abramovich, originally born in Saratov, is one of many Russian oligarchs on a government “hit list” as Putin continues to wage war against Ukraine.
      The sanctions will have ramifications for his £9.3billion ($12.3bn) fortune and likely affect his seven children, who live in apparent luxury.
      But who are they? We look at the lives of the heirs and heiresses of the future.
      Anna Abramovich, 30
      Anna Abramovich is a philosophy graduateCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Columbia University philosophy graduate Anna was the first-born in Abramovich’s second marriage to Irina, who he divorced in 2007 after 11 years together.
      She first hit the headlines when she got engaged at 18 to then-boyfriend Nikolai Lazarev in 2010, while still going to school by helicopter or in a chauffeur-driven limo.
      Roman was said to be upset at the engagement, and the couple split before they married.
      Anna was later seen hanging out with party animal Calum Best.
      Her 18th birthday party reportedly cost six figures, while it’s been said she’s the one that most resembles Roman in personality. Now 30, she lives in New York.

      Arkadiy Abramovich, 28
      Arkadiy is reportedly the heir to his father’s £9billion fortuneCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Arkadiy was the first male born in the household and is reportedly the heir to his father’s fortune.
      Like Anna, Arkadiy is the son of Roman and first wife Irina Malandina, now 55, and has carved out a successful career away from his rich dad.
      He is the founder and owner of ARA Capital, which manages assets including major stakes in e-commerce and gas, oil company Gazprom Neft.
      A regular at Stamford Bridge, Arkadiy previously had his eyes on owning the football club – reportedly failing in a bid to own stakes in CSKA Moscow.
      He was also once said to be interested in Danish side FC Copenhagen.
      Sofia Abramovich, 27
      Sofia Abramovich is said to be the ‘Wild Child’ of the familyCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      She’s happy to flaunt herself on social mediaCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      The reported ‘Wild Child’ of the family, Sofia loves sharing her glamorous life on Instagram, flaunting her wealth whenever she can.
      Her 18th birthday party included a performance by pop band McBusted and was held at a nightclub at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
      She regularly parties with her celebrity friends the Beckhams and the Ramsays, and often heads off to the exclusive £3,000-a-night hotel the One & Only Reethi Rah in The Maldives.
      Sofia graduated with a degree from Royal Holloway in management and marketing.
      The 27-year-old also has three horses called Dora, Billy Fraulein and Zanzibar, and has represented Russia in showjumping competitions.
      Arina Abramovich, 21
      Arina caught the showjumping bug early on and excelled in competitions thanks to a horse named Pringle.
      Roman reportedly splashed around £50,000 to buy her the Roan Gelding, who won first prize in her class at the International Horse Show at Olympia in December back in 2013.
      She reportedly wants to emigrate to Australia to enroll into a zoology faculty.
      Ilya Abramovich, 19
      The second oldest boy in the Abramovich dynasty, Ilya was the last child born to both Irina and Roman before their marriage ended.
      However, his studies would’ve been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
      It’s unknown about his plans for university.
      Aaron, 12, and Leah Lou Abramovich, eight
      Abramovich had five children with his second wife IrinaCredit: AFP
      Abramovich’s sixth and seventh child, were both born in Manhattan, New York. Roman regularly visits and has kept a cordial relationship with Dasha, according to reports.
      They were born out of Roman’s third marriage to model and art collector Dasha Zhukova, which ended in 2017.
      Aaron, now 12, was once seen wearing a Chelsea shirt with Morata on the back.
      Meanwhile, Leah Lou, now eight, lives with their mother in the Big Apple and attends a private school in the city. More

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      in Soccer

      Lifelong Arsenal fan Piers Morgan reacts to Roman Abramovich being banned from selling Chelsea

      by

      ARSENAL fan Piers Morgan has reacted to the news that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been banned from selling the club.The future of the club was thrown into limbo this morning after the oligarch, a pal of tyrannical president Putin, had his assets frozen and was blocked from visiting or doing business in Britain.
      Piers Morgan has reacted to the news that Roman Abramovich has been sanctionedCredit: Rex
      Morgan simply said ‘oops’
      Lifelong Arsenal fan and Sun columnist Piers couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at the chaos engulfing the Gunners’ London rivals.
      He tweeted today: “Oops” and tagged the official Chelsea account.
      He has spoken out against the 55-year-old Russian billionaire in the wake of the devastating Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      He previously branded Abramovich a “weasel”, adding: “If Abramovich really wants to prove he’s not a Putin puppet, he should denounce the war loudly and clearly. But he won’t…..”
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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;}MONEY PROBLEMS .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;}Chelsea face missing out on £97M in prize money in blow to crisis club
      In another tweet, the TalkTV presenter said: “Where has Abramovich expressed horror at what’s happening in Ukraine?”
      Some Chelsea fans reacted to Piers by hitting out at Arsenal, with one saying: “We’ll still be more successful than Arsenal with both our hands tied behind our back.”
      Another argued: “Still won the Champions League before Arsenal, not once – twice”, while another said: “Still the biggest club in London.”
      The sanctions against Chelsea’s owner mean that the club – which Abramovich offered up for sale last week – can no longer be purchased.
      An exception may be made if ministers approve it.
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      Chelsea has been granted a special licence by the government to continue playing, allowing tonight’s match against Norwich to kick off.
      Fans who already have tickets will still be able to attend games, but the club is banned from selling any more tickets.
      Chelsea is also forbidden from selling any club merchandise from its official stores.
      Club strips can still be bought from shops like JD Sports but Chelsea must not get a cut.
      One of their only remaining sources of cash will be selling pies and burgers to fans at Stamford Bridge.
      Abramovich – a pal of Vladimir Putin’s – was today sanctioned and had his assets frozenCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We will NOT give up’ – Heroic ex-Arsenal star Oleg Luzhny joins Ukraine front line to fight Russia

      by

      FORMER Arsenal defender Oleg Luzhny has returned to Ukraine to fight for his country against Russia.And he insisted Ukraine will not give up in their fight to protect themselves.
      Ex-Arsenal defender Oleg Luzhny has joined the Ukrainian armyCredit: Getty
      The 53-year-old’s nation was invaded by Vladimir Putin’s army last month with war breaking out.
      Boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko have all enlisted to help the heroic defensive effort by Ukraine.
      Footballer Svyatik Artemenko, Sheriff Tiraspol’s Ukrainian manager Yuriy Vernydub, Olympians Dmytro Pidruchny and Dmytro Mazurchuk as well as tennis ace Sergiy Stakhovsky are also in their homeland and joined the army.
      And as the violence and destruction continues, Luzhny put his coaching career on pause to play his part.
      He told the Mirror: “Like all devoted Ukrainians, now I’m in Ukraine, with all our people defending our motherland. I joined the Territorial Defence Force.
      “The situation is very tense, the siren sounds three or four times a day, also at night.
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      “People have to frantically dash to bomb shelters, women with small children, who don’t understand what is happening, they are terrified.
      “Entire cities and towns are shelled and being destroyed, people are left without gas, electricity, water and food.
      “But our nation stands united like never before.
      “We will not give up, everyone is trying to assist in the best possible way.”
      Luzhny spent four years at Highbury between 1999 and 2003, making 110 appearances and winning the Premier League and FA Cup before joining Wolves for one season.
      He has had messages of support from ‘very, very worried’ former Gunners team-mates Patrick Vieira and Gilles Grimandi – while others have not been able to contact him after he got a new phone number.
      Speaking about the sanctions being placed on Russia – financially, legally and even in sport – Luzhny was fully behind the moves.
      To bomb peaceful people in 21st century, who didn’t do any harm to Russia? This is beyond reasonOleg Luzhny
      He also highlighted his belief that the people of Russia are condoning the invasion if they are not standing up to the leaders.
      Luzhny added: “I support all sanctions. People who are involved in sport are a part of a nation.
      “When the nation elects the president, it also bears responsibility for the actions of the elected President.
      “If they are silent – that means they support what is happening now: the invasion of a peaceful country.
      “To bomb peaceful people in 21st century, who didn’t do any harm to Russia?
      “This is beyond reason.
      “What Russians are doing, it is a big threat not only to Ukraine, yet the Ukrainian army, our heroes, we now are protecting the whole of Europe.”
      He has put his coaching career on hold to help defend his countryCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘If not for my daughter, my family, I would be there’ – tearful Zinchenko reveals torment of war in Ukraine

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY star Oleksandr Zinchenko insists only his family stopped him from heading back to Ukraine to fight Russia’s troops.The defender discovered his homeland was being invaded when his wife Vlada woke him up at midnight last week to deliver the grim news.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko broke down in tears as he explained the torment of war in UkraineCredit: BBC
      The star’s wife Vlada woke him up at midnight last week to tell him about the invasionCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96
      Zinchenko has continued to train and play for Man City amid the turmoilCredit: Getty
      Zinchenko says his daughter and family are the only reason he is not fighting in UkraineCredit: Instagram @Zinchenko_96
      Zinchenko continued to train at City despite the turmoil and was made captain for the FA Cup win over Peterborough United on Tuesday.
      The 25-year-old has been receiving hundreds of videos of Russia attacking from his friends back in Ukraine over the past few days.
      Now the emotional Zinchenko has expressed his thanks at the support his nation has received since the outbreak of war as he revealed why he remained in England instead of following boxing stars Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko into battle.
      Speaking to Gary Lineker during an interview with BBC Sport, the City ace said: “I’m just crying. It’s already [been] a week – I’m not counting – but even when I drive the car from the training ground, I can just cry from nothing.
      “It’s everything in my head. Imagine the place where you were born, where you were growing up and there is just empty ground.
      “I can show you one million pictures and videos of every city in my country which they destroyed. 
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      🔵 Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates
      “A security operation? Impossible. This is a real war. What they are doing is not acceptable. We need to stop this. 
      “People there are sending me facts… they are starving. People are just surviving, sleeping underground and in bunkers.”
      The tearful Zinchenko continued: “I’ll be honest, if not for my daughter, my family, I would be there.
      “I’m just born like that. I know the people from my country, the mentality of them and all of them think exactly the same.
      “I’m so proud to be Ukrainian, and I will be forever for the rest of my life. And when you’re watching the people, how they fight for their lives… there are no words.
      “I know the people, the mentality of my people from my country, they prefer to die, and they will die. But they’re not going to give [up].”
      The defender has thanked the world for its support of his under-attack nationCredit: Getty
      Zinchenko captained Man City in their FA Cup win at Peterborough on TuesdayCredit: Getty

      The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis.
      In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.
      For more information visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund More

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      in Boxing

      Klitschko brothers reveal ‘kill count’ as defiant heavyweight champions say they are ‘ready to die’ to save Ukraine

      by

      BOXING brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have revealed their “kill count” and claim they are prepared to die for Ukraine.The two former heavyweight champions are currently defending Ukraine’s capital Kyiv – where Vitali is the mayor – against Russian invasion.
      Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko said they are prepared to die for UkraineCredit: Reuters
      Ukrainian forces are reportedly seeking out separate Russian groups within the capital and the iconic brothers are doing their part in the fight.
      Vitali, 50, told Sky News that he and Wladimir, 45, “killed some people, I guess six people last night”.
      And the elder brother defiantly claimed they were “ready to die for their home” and showed no fear of Russian forces when talking to CNN.
      He said: “We’re not interested in how strong the Russian army is, we’re ready to fight.
      “And we’re ready to die for our home country and for our families because it’s our home.
      “It’s our future and somebody wants to come to our home and steal our future from us.”
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      The ring legends recently sent out a video message asking for the international community to make a stand together against “Russian aggression”.
      Wladimir said: “I’m calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine and this senseless war which is not going to have any winners or losers.
      “I just want to tell you we must stay united against this aggression, this Russian aggression.
      “Don’t let it continue happening in Ukraine, don’t let it happen in Europe and eventually in the world. United we’re strong. Support Ukraine, thank you.”
      Recently it was reported that the Klitschko brothers were on a Russian “kill list” of senior Ukrainians.
      Fellow Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has also taken up arms in the fight against Russia.
      He told CNN: “‘I really don’t know when I’m going to be stepping back in the ring.
      “My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt.’
      The boxing legends are determined to defend their homeland should Russia invade
      The brothers have claimed to have killed six Russian invaders so farCredit: AP More

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      Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk vows to fight Russia to the death and says ‘I have a gun. If I have to kill, I’ll do it’

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      BOXING ace Oleksandr Usyk has vowed to fight Russia to the death and claims he “has a gun” and isn’t afraid to kill “if he has to.”The 2012 London Olympic champion and undisputed cruiserweight king has taken up arms as part of the Kyiv Territorial Defence.
      Oleksandr Usyk said he is prepared to fight Russia to the deathCredit: Instagram / @usykaa
      The 35-year-old father-of-three has joined best friend – and two-time Olympic champ – Vasiliy Lomachenko and legendary heavyweight brothers Wladimir and Kyiv mayor Vitali in swapping gloves for guns.
      And the boxer sent a chilling message this week in which he said he was prepared to commit murder and even die if the Russians evaded on “the lives of my close ones.”
      “If they will want to take my life, or the lives of my close ones, I will have to do it,” Usyk told CNN on Wednesday.
      “But I don’t want that. I don’t want to shoot, I don’t want to kill anybody, but if they will be killing me, I will have no choice.
      “Maybe it’ll sound sentimental, but my soul belongs to the Lord and my body and my honour belong to my country, to my family.
      “So there is no fear, absolutely no fear. There’s just bafflement — how could this be in the 21st century?”
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      On Monday, a picture emerged of him prepped for battle with a machine gun swung round his shoulder as he received the backing of Brit rival Anthony Joshua – who he is due to face later this year.
      Usyk said he was unsure when he would return to the ring, adding: “My country and my honour are more important to me than a championship belt.”
      It came as the Ukrainian, who is devout Orthodox Christian, appealed directly to the Russian people for help.
      In a heartfelt Instagram video posted last week he said: “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.”
      He also sent a direct message to President Putin calling for end to war and for peace.
      “Please just sit down and negotiate it with us without claims,” he added.
      “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.”
      Usyk has called for peace but said he is prepared to kill to protect his love onesCredit: PA
      The Ukrainian has joined the war effort as part of the Kyiv Territorial DefenceCredit: Instagram @andrii_nebytov More

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      Jake Paul ‘announces’ fight against Vladimir Putin as he and brother Logan troll Russian ruler after invasion of Ukraine

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      JAKE PAUL has jokingly announced a fight between himself and Vladimir Putin.The YouTuber turned boxer last week condemned the Putin ordered Russian invasion of Ukraine on Twitter.
      Jake and Logan Paul have taken to Twitter to mock Vladimir PutinCredit: Getty
      The YouTuber turned boxer posted this mock-up fight posterCredit: Instagram @jakepaul
      The 5-0 fighter, 25, wrote: “My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and Russia who are both going to suffer greatly from all of this mayhem.”
      Now he has taken a more humorous approach by sharing a fake fight poster advertising a showdown between him and Putin.
      Along with the poster of him and the 69-year-old Russian president, he wrote: “Big news.
      “Tickets on sale next week. #PaulPutin brought to you by @TimJDillon promotions.”
      There was a ‘Leave no doubt’ tagline at the top of the poster over a side-by-side snap of Paul and a topless Putin.
      And below them was text saying: “Coming soon, live on pay-per-view.”
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      Paul’s older brother, Logan, then chipped in with several tweets of his own in response.
      He wrote: “He needs to be Putin his place.”
      Before adding: “He gonna be Russian to the hospital after this.”
      ​Meanwhile, Ukrainian boxers Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko have both returned to their homeland to help in the fight against Russia.
      And retired former heavyweight champion brothers Wladimir and Vitali, the mayor of Kyiv, Klitschko have also taken up arms. More