In a potent symbol of the pride and determination of young Ukrainians, Oleksandr Usyk has defended his world heavyweight boxing title and devoted his victory to his “country, his family, his team, to all the military defending [my] country”.
Sporting the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine, and wearing a top bearing the words “Colours of Freedom”, Usyk covered his face with the Ukrainian flag upon hearing he had won the fight.
35-year-old Usyk, born in Simferopil in the Crimea peninsula, and currently a Kyiv resident with his wife and three children, joined the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He left the country 5 months ago to train for the match against English boxer, Anthony Joshua.
“We congratulate Usyk for his victory and extend our utmost respect for the way he has stood up to defend peace and justice in Ukraine,” said Ms Kateryna Argyrou, AFUO Co-Chair.
“Usyk’s victory provides a moment of inspiration and fire for Ukrainians and the Ukrainian diaspora around the world, as we continue to do all that we can to fight for Ukraine’s freedom, independence and future,” said Ms Argyrou.
Photo credit: Getty Images – Francois Nel
