Ukraine war

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      in Boxing

      Desperate Putin drafts 7ft boxing legend Nikolai Valuev, 49, to fight Ukraine after spending 10 years hunting Bigfoot

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      VLADIMIR Putin’s shoestring army has been forced to call up a 49-year-old former boxing World Champion to fight in Ukraine.Giant Nikolai Valuev, who stands at 7ft tall, is the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history.
      Retired Russian boxer Nikolai Valuev has been called up to fight in Ukraine
      The 7-foot giant is an MP for Putin’s United Russia partyCredit: AFP
      He retired in 2009 after being defeated by Brit David HayeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      At his peak, he weighed 149kg, or almost 23 and a half stone.
      After retiring in 2009, he went into politics and joined the Russian parliament or Duma in 2011 as a member of the Putin-backing United Russia party.
      Such was his gargantuan size, a special chair had to be made for him to sit in when he attended parliament.
      In 2010, Valuev’s doctor said he was treating the man mountain for “serious bone and joint problems”
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      He was forced to undergo two operations that required six months on the sidelines and confirmed in 2013 that medical advice was the main reason he wouldn’t return to the ring.
      But that hasn’t stopped Putin’s army from calling him up for the frontline in Ukraine.
      In an interview with Russian state media, he said he had been handed his summons when he was in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
      Unlike his other parliamentary colleagues, he has been told to go to the military registration and enlistment office.
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      “In my opinion, everyone has received a summons, I also received a summons,” he told Russian language publication Izvestia. “Will I go? Of course, I will go to the enlistment office now.”
      Speaking of his fellow MPs, he said: “My colleagues are good, they were registered for military service in the State Duma and received summons here, but I have to go home.
      “I received the summons right before my trip to Donbas, and I was not at home.”
      He added: “Next week I will definitely go and report to the enlistment office.”
      Will I go? Of course, I will go to the enlistment office nowNikolai ValuevEx-world heavyweight boxing champ
      Valuev competed in the heavyweight category during his 16-year career between 1993 and 2009.
      He was World Boxing Association world champion between 2005 and 2007, and again in 2009, when he was defeated by Brit David Haye in the so-called “David Vs Goliath” fight.
      After retiring, the Daily Star reports that he has dedicated the past decade trying to prove the existence of the Russian “Bigfoot”.
      Such was his obsession, that he even appeared on the 2013 Channel 4 series “Bigfoot Files” trekking through the Siberian wilderness.
      In 2011, he went on a separate mission to try and track down Bigfoot, as reported by an official Russian government press release.
      “Valuev did not manage to meet the yeti itself but on the way, he discovered ‘traces’ such as broken tree branches,” it read.
      “By the time they reached the cave, the expedition saw gigantic footprints, similar to a human’s.”
      It comes after ex-Everton and Russian footballer Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was called up to fight in Ukraine, his father revealed.
      The 37-year-old midfielder, who made 59 appearances for the Toffees between 2009 and 2012, last served in the military almost two decades ago.
      His dad Rinat confirmed that he had been signed up to fight in Putin’s disastrous war in Ukraine, despite being two years over the official cut-off age for new recruits of 35.
      “Diniyar really received a summons,” he told Russian publication sports.ru.
      “It is difficult to talk about emotions, because he did not serve, although he did military service, but it was specific, with a sports bias. It was 19 years ago.
      “That is, yes, he took the oath, but served in the sports line. The law still says – to call people up to 35 years old, and he is 37, so there is some kind of inconsistency here.
      “Now he will find out whether this agenda is correct or whether it was sent early. Anything can happen.”
      The news follows revelations that staff from Russia’s national football team have refused to turn home from a friendly match in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, as hundreds of thousands try to flee from Putin’s partial mobilisation.
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      Tomorrow, tyrant Vlad is set to declare four Ukrainian regions as part of Russia in a major rally in Moscow.
      The territories of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, which make up around 15 percent of all of Ukraine, have held sham referendums in recent days over being annexed by Russia.
      Help those fleeing conflict with The Sun’s Ukraine FundPICTURES of women and children fleeing the horror of Ukraine’s devastated towns and cities have moved Sun readers to tears.
      Many of you want to help the five million caught in the chaos — and now you can, by donating to The Sun’s Ukraine Fund.
      Give as little as £3 or as much as you can afford and every penny will be donated to the Red Cross on the ground helping women, children, the old, the infirm and the wounded.
      Donate here to help The Sun’s fund
      Or text to 70141 from UK mobiles
      £3 — text SUN£3£5 — text SUN£5£10 — text SUN£10
      Texts cost your chosen donation amount (e.g. £5) +1 standard message (we receive 100%). For full T&Cs visit redcross.org.uk/mobile
      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

      Vasiliy Lomachenko’s boxing return against Jamaine Ortiz CONFIRMED for October 29 in first fight since Ukraine war

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      VASILIY LOMACHENKO will make his boxing return on October 29 against Jamaine Ortiz. The former unified lightweight champion will enter the ring for his first fight since joining the front line defending Ukraine from Russia’s invasion.
      Vasiliy Lomachenko will make his boxing return on October 29 against Jamaine OrtizCredit: AP
      Lomachenko, 34, said:  “I love my sport, and I am so glad to be back.
      “My goal is to win the undisputed lightweight title, but I will not take Jamaine Ortiz lightly.
      “Madison Square Garden and Hulu Theater at MSG have been special places in my career, and I look forward to making more great memories on October 29.
      “I want to dedicate this fight to all my Ukrainian people. I wear the flag proudly every time I step in the ring.”
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      Lomachenko in February signed up to a territorial defence battalion amid Russia’s invasion on his homeland.
      He was offered the chance to challenge for the undisputed crown against George Kambosos Jr this year.
      But Lomachenko turned it down due to the ongoing war, with Devin Haney later defeating Kambosos.
      Promoter Bob Arum said: “Vasiliy Lomachenko is a credit to his country and the sport of boxing.
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      “When his country needed him, Vasiliy did not hesitate.
      “We are thrilled that he is safe and fighting once again at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, his home away from home.
      “Jamaine Ortiz is a young, hungry, undefeated fighter who understands that a victory over a living legend like Loma would be life-changing.”
      Lomachenko’s last fight came in December when he beat Richard Commey over 12 rounds.
      He is in line to challenge the winner between Haney and Kambosos’ rematch in June.
      Vasiliy Lomachenko beat Richard Commey in his last fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Vasiliy Lomachenko signed up to a territorial defence battalion More

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      in Soccer

      Former Norwich star Mathias Normann axed from Norway squad indefinitely for playing in Russia

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      NORWAY have AXED Mathias Normann from their squad indefinitely because he is playing for a Russian football team. Normann was on loan at Norwich City last season from Russian club FC Rostov, and following the conclusion of his loan he will return to Russia at club level, but thus far it is unclear who this will be for.
      Mathias Normann celebrates a victory for Norwich last seasonCredit: PA
      And as a consequence of this, Norway have told Normann he will not be selected for their upcoming internationals against Slovenia and Serbia.
      Stale Solbakken, Norway’s head coach and Lise Klaveness, Norway’s Football Federation president, both agree the player cannot play due to the country’s unified stance on the invasion of Ukraine.
      Klaveness said: “Basically, it is not the association’s role to say anything about national team players’ choice of club, but we are now in an extraordinary situation.”
      “All of Norwegian and European football agree to put joint pressure on Russia as a belligerent party, which has also used positions of power in sport very actively.
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      “All Russian teams are banned from international sports competitions. Stale and I agree that Normann cannot represent Norway when he will now play for a new Russian club.”
      UEFA and FIFA came down hard with sanctions on Russian football, banning the national team and clubs from competing in competitions under UEFA or FIFA’s banner.
      The ban caused a mass exodus of players from the country.
      Normann played 23 times for Norwich in the Premier League last season but was unable to help The Canaries steer clear of relegation back to the Championship.
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      He was also previously contracted to Brighton but failed to make a senior appearance before The Seagulls sold him in 2019.
      Normann has 12 senior caps for Norway.
      But until he moves away from Russia club football he is unlikely to add any more caps to his name. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko hails powerful message as football returns to war-torn Ukraine

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO will be watching as football resumes in Ukraine today – proud, defiant, but also a little worried.Arsenal star Zinchenko believes staging matches in his homeland for the first time since the Russian invasion in February will send an important message.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko says restarting football in Ukraine will show the country’s defiance.Credit: Getty
      But he acknowledges the danger that his compatriots will face simply by stepping on to the pitch.
      Ukraine international Zinchenko said: “It’s difficult for me to imagine how it’s going to be. 
      “If there are air-raid sirens, they are going to have to stop, so it’s going to be difficult. 
      “People are still suffering. We need to fight every single day. 
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      “I will be watching as many games as possible on TV.
      “It’s so important to show to the rest of the world that the Ukrainian people don’t give up, that in any situation they carry on.”
      No fans will be allowed and at least half of the 16 top-flight clubs in Ukraine will be unable to play at home, in some cases sharing stadiums in “safer” cities.
      But wherever they play, regulations require there to be an air-raid shelter for players, staff and match officials to escape to in the event of an attack.
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      And that is a very real danger: today is Ukraine’s National Flag Day and Russia is believed to be planning military action on such a symbolic occasion.
      Shakhtar Donetsk players are accustomed to being away from Donetsk. The club has been exiled from the eastern city since pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass region proclaimed independence in 2014.
      But the current situation is on a new, horrifying level as the club prepares to contest the opening match of the new season against Metalist 1925 in the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv. at 11am UK time.
      Shakhtar striker Lassina Traore, a Burkina Faso international and cousin of Aston Villa forward Bertrand, is one of only two overseas players not to have left the club since the war began.
      Sometimes we were under shelling. Certainly, it was terrifyingYuriy VernydubHead coach of Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
      Traore said:  “Of course, I worry like everyone else, no one knows what is going to happen in the future. 
      “Now it is a little bit calm compared to the beginning, but the war is still going on.”
      No-one knows that better than Yuriy Vernydub, head coach of Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih.
      This time last year Vernydub was about to lead Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol into the Champions League group stage for the first time.
      His side would go on to pull off one of the competition’s great shocks by beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
      But when Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Vernydub left his team preparing for a Europa League match in Portugal to return home and join the army.
      Vernydub was sent to an artillery unit on the frontline in the south of Ukraine.
      He said: “It was tough work from dusk till dawn.
      “Sometimes we were under shelling. Certainly, it was terrifying, especially the first several times, but as time went on it became commonplace.
      “Currently I combine serving in the army and coaching. 
      “But If I receive an order to go back, I will immediately do it.”
      Yuriy Vernydub went from coaching in the CL to fighting on the frontline.
      Overseas football has shown solidarity with Ukraine, with foreign-based players like Zinchenko receiving strong support from crowds.
      And the resumption of the game in the country itself will make a powerful statement at home and abroad.
      Dynamo Kyiv vice captain Viktor Tsygankov said: “As football players, we have to accept the risk of playing when any minute a missile can be launched by Russian forces and land anywhere. 
      “At the same time, I know that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers at the front line are football fans. They protect our lives at the expense of their health, their lives, therefore we have to support them from our side.
      “I’ll be happy if football becomes the thing that helps the Ukrainian people to forget even for a couple of hours about the terrible things that are happening in our country. 
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      “People in other countries are also struggling because of the consequences of this war. 
      “We must remind them that we are fighting not only for our freedom, which nobody can take from us, but probably for their future, too.” More

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      in Boxing

      Ukrainian boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk slams ‘weak’ Vladimir Putin after defeating Anthony Joshua

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      CHAMP Oleksandr Usyk took aim at “weak” Vladimir Putin after defeating Anthony Joshua.The Ukrainian boxer said of the Russian president: “Everything he shows is just to show that he’s strong, but he’s not.
      Oleksandr Usyk took aim at ‘weak’ Vladimir Putin after defeating Anthony Joshua.Credit: Getty
      He said ‘everything he shows is just to show that he’s strong, but he’s not’Credit: Alamy
      “Otherwise he wouldn’t show how strong, how big he is. In reality, he is very weak.”
      Usyk, 35, wore the blue and yellow of his homeland throughout his time in Saudi Arabia for the bout and added: “I boxed for the whole country and half of the world.
      “Now the whole world knows Ukraine is defending itself from the second biggest army in the world. And we stand strong and we give Russia a lot back.”
      It comes as Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Usyk’s brilliant victory over Joshua.
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      The Ukrainian president, 44, gushed with pride over his compatriot’s amazing triumph against a game AJ.
      Hoping to inspire the people of war-torn Ukraine, Zelensky tweeted: “Difficult, but so important and necessary VICTORY @usykaa!
      “Defending the title of the world champion is a symbol of the fact that all Cossacks will not give up theirs, will fight for it and will definitely win!”
      On what’s next, Usyk added: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet.
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      “I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.
      “I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.” More

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      in Soccer

      Euro 2022 final’s Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul spent five days living in bunker in Kharkiv after Russia’s invasion

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      TODAY’S Euro 2022 final referee is Ukrainian – and spent five days living in an underground bunker after the Russian invasion. Kateryna Monzul will step out at a sold-out Wembley this afternoon to oversee England vs Germany.
      Kateryna Monzul will referee the Euro 2022 final at Wembley todayCredit: Reuters
      But just months ago, she was in hiding with her family in her hometown of Kharkiv as Russian forces raided the country.
      Monzul headed to her parents’ home and took shelter before fleeing Ukraine with her two sisters and their three children, eventually settling in Italy.
      They drove through Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic before arriving in Germany and then Italy, continuing her refereeing.
      Reflecting on the journey from Ukraine to Italy and then to the Euros in England, Monzul said: “When the war started, nobody could believe it.
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      “My family went to my parents’ home. We were [living] underground – a special place in the house.
      “It was stressful and difficult.
      “When we left Ukraine, we didn’t have any ideas what the next step was for us.”
      Monzul is a trailblazer for her country and for refereeing.
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      The 41-year-old was the first female ref to take charge of an England senior men’s match and a Ukraine Premier League match,
      An international official since 2004, she has also reffed in the Europa League, Europa Conference League, Nations League and three Women’s World Cups.
      Monzul will become the first official from Ukraine to referee a Women’s Euro final – and revealed the pride at calling home to tell her family about the landmark appointment which will see Sarina Wiegman’s side attempting to write history.
      She said she realised “how important it was for them as well as for myself” when she “hear their happy and positive reaction”.
      ‘HEART BEATING FAST’
      Monzul added: “This is a really emotional moment for me, and I’m enjoying it.
      “My heart is already beating fast. It’s the moment when a dream you have comes true.
      “But I must say that it’s also a moment where I feel responsibility because I’ll be refereeing an important football game.” More

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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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      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

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      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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Football.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 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      “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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      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