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

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      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

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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

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      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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      “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

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      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

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      in Soccer

      Poland left-back Maciej Rybus BANNED from playing in World Cup after joining Russian side Spartak Moscow

      by

      POLAND left-back Maciej Rybus has been BANNED from playing at the World Cup after signing for Spartak Moscow.The defender, 32, has 66 caps for his country but will not add to that tally in Qatar this winter.
      Maciej Rybus, left, swapped Lokomotiv Moscow for city-rivals Spartak this summer – and will now MISS the World CupCredit: Reuters
      After five years with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, he has joined city-rivals Spartak on a free transfer this summer.
      Most players are desperately trying to leave the country after their invasion of Ukraine, a close ally of Poland.
      That includes Rybus’ international team-mates Grzegorz Krychowiak and Sebastian Szymanski who are said to be “both willing to leave Russia”.
      However, Rybus – whose wife is Russian – decided to stay put, signing a fresh contract with the club who were booted out of the Europa League.
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      And Poland have taken an immediate hard stance by confirming he will now be out of the running for selection.
      A statement from the Polish FA said: “The coach of the Polish national team, Czeslaw Michniewicz, talked to Maciej Rybus, who was currently staying in Poland, after the training camp of the national team ended last week.
      “The coach informed the player that, due to his current club situation, he would not be called up for the September training camp of the national team and would not take into account the team that would go to the World Cup in Qatar when determining the composition of the team.”
      Poland refused to play Russia in their scheduled World Cup play-off semi-final in March because of the invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24.
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      The country has taken in more than 3.5million Ukrainian refugees since then.
      Michniewicz’s men, who beat Sweden to qualify, are in Group C for the World Cup, which kicks off in the Middle East on November 21.
      They will face Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina to try and book their spot in the knockout rounds. More

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      in Soccer

      Scotland fans belt out Ukrainian national anthem in solidarity at World Cup qualifier

      by

      TARTAN Army fans belted out the Ukrainian national anthem at the World Cup qualifier play-off last night.Scotland’s supporters were asked to sing along in solidarity with Ukraine fans ahead of the crucial match, which had been postponed by the war.
      Scottish footie fans belted out the Ukrainian national anthem at the World Cup qualifier play-offCredit: PA
      A young Scotland fan proudly holds both teams’ flagsCredit: Reuters
      Language-learning website and mobile app Duolingo helped by printing out flyers with phonetic versions of the lyrics to the tune, which translates as: “Ukraine’s glory and freedom are not dead yet.”
      Scotland’s pipers also learned the Ukrainian national anthem to make the several thousand visiting fans — many displaced from their country by the Russian invasion — feel welcome before the match at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
      The Ukrainian side walked out wrapped in national flags. Fans from the Scottish Football Supporters Association were joined by opera singer Vasyl Savenko and duo Julia Kogut-Kalynyuk and Kateryna Trachuk, plus Glasgow’s Voice of the Town choir, to sing the anthem.
      One fan wrote on social media: “Incredible scenes during Ukrainian national anthem at Scotland v Ukraine. The whole world pulling for you Ukraine.”
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      Another added: “I just wept at the Ukrainian national anthem and the emotion with which it was screamed and sung and yelled by everyone in the stands and on the pitch.
      “This is one of those football moments the world won’t soon forget.”
      It was Ukraine’s first competitive football match since Russia began its barbaric war in February.
      The conflict has dominated the build-up to the match, which was postponed in March.
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      Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov’s men have spent the last month training in Slovenia and played friendlies in Germany, Italy and Croatia.
      The country’s home-based players have not been involved in any competitive matches since December as the war began during their winter shutdown.
      Scotland were aiming to make it to their first World Cup in 24 years — and ninth in total.
      But there was disappointment as Ukraine won 3-1.
      Ukraine are now in their first World Cup finals since 2006 — their only other appearance.
      The lyrics for Ukraine’s national anthem are based on an 1862 poem by Pavlo Chubynsky and the music was composed by Mykhailo Verbytsky in 1863.
      The song was formally adopted as the country’s anthem by the Ukrainian parliament in 1992.
      Its words have taken on a new ­poignancy since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
      They include the lines: “The glory and freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished.
      “Luck will still smile on us brother-Ukrainians.
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      “Our enemies will die, as the dew does in the sunshine.
      “And we, too, brothers, we’ll live happily in our land.”
      Ukraine fans in their national dress and team coloursCredit: EPA
      Ukraine are now in their first World Cup finals since 2006 — their only other appearanceCredit: SNS
      A phonetic version of the Ukraine national anthem was given to fans More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Here for fans… and people of Ukraine’ – Klopp says Liverpool ready to send message to Russia in relocated CL final

      by

      WHEN Liverpool and Real Madrid last met in a Champions League final, the beautiful city of Kyiv was the host.We probably spoke about that memorable match as if it were a war — especially with Real’s big bad wolf Sergio Ramos having nobbled Mo Salah and apparently inflicted a concussion on Reds’ fall-guy keeper Loris Karius.
      Jurgen Klopp spoke powerfully and poignantly ahead of the relocated Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid and Liverpool met in the Champions League showdown four years ago in Ukraine, before the Russian invasion
      It wasn’t a war, of course, it was merely the greatest club football match on the planet.
      Four years on, these two European superpowers should have been meeting in St Petersburg.
      After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Uefa’s showpiece was switched to the Stade de France, just north of central Paris.
      When asked about this at the end of his eve-of-match media conference, Jurgen Klopp was momentarily struck dumb.
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      But after thinking long and hard, Klopp answered: “That the game still happens and that it’s not in St Petersburg maybe is exactly the message Russia should get.
      “Life goes on, even when you try to destroy it.
      “We play this final for all the people but as well for the people of Ukraine.”
      It was a sobering reminder, that for all the talk of a Liverpool ‘revenge mission’ after that controversial 3-1 defeat in Kyiv, tonight’s outcome will be nothing more than a glorious distraction on a continent scarred by war.

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      This final comes just a year after the football world was raging against elitism when the European Super League plan was hatched and swiftly wrecked.
      Yet here, tonight, will be the most elitist football match of all time. By the end, these two monsters will have 20 European Cups between them.
      Real boast a record 13 successes, while Liverpool’s haul of six makes them England’s most successful European club by a country mile.
      Here are two clubs who so often seem to be carried through on European nights by the sense of belief which comes from such mighty histories.
      A prime example came in Real’s epic semi-final comeback against Manchester City, when it felt as if the sheer will of the Bernabeu pulled Carlo Ancelotti’s men over the line.
      It was widely anticipated that we would be served up a third all-English final in four seasons — and a clash of ages between the two great Premier League sides of their generation.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LIVERPOOL AT 30/1 OR REAL MADRID AT 40/1
      But Real’s history — both recent and distant — counts for a lot. In this competition, history is rarely bunk.
      Klopp admitted: “Real Madrid are the most decorated club. Some in this team can win it for the fifth time and their manager can win it for the fourth.
      “We cannot buy that sort of experience or get it overnight. But we are here in the final for the third time in five years and that is special, too.”
      Life goes on, even when you try to destroy it.Jurgen Klopp
      Asked which team should be favourites, Klopp replied: “The history and the expectations of Real Madrid and the way they make these great comebacks — which are crazy — I’d say Real Madrid.
      “But I want us to be on the same level, to be thinking on the same level, to be completely ourselves.”
      Ancelotti can surpass Liverpool’s own Bob Paisley and become the first boss to win four European Cups tonight.
      Real beat Liverpool in Kiev as Gareth Bale scored twiceCredit: AFP
      Liverpool are in their third Champions League final in five yearsCredit: Getty
      He has the most feared centre-forward on the planet, Karim Benzema — with ten goals in his last five Champions League matches — the Frenchman sinking Chelsea and City on a one-man mission to disprove the notion of Premier League domination.
      There has been much griping this week in Madrid because Benzema’s international team-mate Kylian Mbappe has decided against his long-expected move to the Bernabeu and opted to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Those moans speak much about Real’s sense of entitlement. That arrogance can sound churlish — but in European Cup finals it can be a huge plus.
      Real haven’t lost one of these since Liverpool defeated them across town at the Parc des Princes way back in 1981.
      Klopp was asked whether he felt the need to do something ‘surprising’ in a match as big as this.
      ‘PUT THINGS RIGHT’
      His answer wasn’t intended as a swipe at his great domestic rival Pep Guardiola — accused of ‘over-thinking’ his City team selections in this competition and especially in last year’s final defeat by Chelsea.
      But, in that context, it was an interesting response.
      “If I do something surprising, the players might think I’m nervous,” said Klopp, “like a rabbit in the headlights.
      “But if you do things all the time and you’re successful, they must be the right thing.”
      Asked about that 2018 defeat in Kyiv, Klopp insisted that while “we want to put things right”, it would never be his team’s prime motivation.
      He added that while 2018 was important, 2019, when Liverpool defeated Tottenham in this fixture, was “more important”.
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      It was a measured response. After all, even Ramos isn’t in the same league as Vladimir Putin.
      This may be the greatest club fixture of the year, between two of the mightiest clubs on Earth, but it is still just a game of football.
      Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino are eyeing revenge for the 2018 defeatCredit: Getty
      Karim Benzema and Carlo Ancelotti are looking to write another chapter of Champions League historyCredit: Getty More

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      Oleg Prudky dead at 30: Champion boxer dies defending Ukraine against Russian invaders after job in special forces

      by

      A FORMER amateur champion boxer has died aged 30 defending Ukraine against Russia.Oleg Prudky was working for the Cherkasy Police special forces in the continued effort to fight the invaders.
      Oleg Prudky was an amateur boxer who represented Ukraine
      He is survived by his wife and two young daughters
      Their city base was attacked on Sunday as he and three colleagues died.
      Prudky was a two-time amateur champ in his homeland and was called up to Ukrainian Otamans team for the semi-pro World Series of Boxing competition – a team Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk previously represented.
      The Ukrainian Boxing Federation said: “We are sad to announce that the master of sports of international boxing class, champion of Ukraine Oleg Prudky, died in battles with the Russian occupiers.
      “The Boxing Federation of Ukraine expresses its condolences to the boxer’s family! Eternal memory to you Olezh.”
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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;}GEN-UINELY CLASS .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;}Canelo vs Golovkin III officially CONFIRMED for September 17
      President of the Cherkasy Boxing Federation Serhiy Tyshchenko added: “Another tragedy in our boxing family. One of the best boxers of Cherkasy region, Oleg Prudky, died in the East.
      “I remember now how your coach told you how eager you were to do boxing and cycling for tens of kilometres to get to training.
      “I remember how we supported you at the competitions of Ukrainian Atamans, then a whole bus from Cherkasy came to support you and you won! Everyone remembers your incredible fights.
      “You are the first in the history of Cherkasy boxing to win gold in the 60kg weight category.
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      “Oleg was a two-time champion of Ukraine and a master of sports of international class. Your victories and achievements are hard to count, you were a very persistent and hard-working athlete, you trained a lot. You have been a worthy example for future generations.
      “Eternal memory, rest in peace friend. Heroes do not die.”
      Prudky leaves behind his wife Mariana and their two young daughters.
      Mariana posted an emotional tribute to her late husband on social media.
      She wrote: “War – it takes away the best. I don’t believe, I don’t believe that you are no more.
      ‘I LOVE YOU’
      “What I will not hear – Good morning darling! I’m fine! How are the girls? And the most important thing is that you will never tell me again – I LOVE you.
      “You were like a bright sun, an example for your children, who adore you so much and ask you every time, and when dad comes.
      “How can I tell them that they will never see you again?
      “You were an example for your friends and colleagues. You are my ANGEL. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.”
      Prudky was working for the Cherkasy Police special forces to defend Ukraine More

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      in Athletics

      Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak slapped with 12-month ban for wearing ‘Z’ war symbol on podium next to Ukrainian athlete

      by

      RUSSIAN gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been slapped with a 12-month ban for wearing the controversial ‘Z’ war symbol next to a Ukrainian athlete.Kuliak caused uproar in March after finishing third in the parallel bars at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha.
      Ivan Kuliak has been banned from athletics for a year after wearing the ‘Z’ symbolCredit: Claro Sports
      Kuliak revealed the Russian war symbol while standing next to a Ukrainian athleteCredit: Claro Sports
      Standing next to Ukrainian winner Illia Kovtun, he proudly displayed the Russian army’s ‘Z’ symbol on his chest.
      The letter has been featured on Russian tanks and military vehicles in Ukraine.
      And it has become a symbol of support for Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
      The International Gymnastics Federation (IGF) declared it would push to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak “following his shocking behaviour.”
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      And they have now announced that the 20-year-old has been banned from competing for at least one year.
      Kuliak will be unable to compete in events until May 2023.
      But that could be extended should current bans on displaying Russian flags or playing the national anthem at competitions remain in place.
      Kuliak has also been stripped of his bronze medal and third-place finish.
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      And he must return his £400 prize money while also paying £1,600 to cover investigation costs.
      Yet in spite of his ban and punishment, Kuliak remains defiant over his actions.
      He told Russia Today: “If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do the same.
      “I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’.
      “I just wanted to show my position. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace.” More