Oleksandr Usyk makes family admission while ruling | Boxing News

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk fears he might by no means have the possibility to defend his world heavyweight titles in his homeland due to the ongoing battle with Russia. The undefeated 38-year-old has gained all of his 23 skilled fights, 14 by knockout.

After reigning supreme within the cruiserweight division, Usyk moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and continued his successful streak. Following victories over Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua, which noticed him declare the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, Usyk went on to defeat Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury twice, unifying the division all of the while. Despite his spectacular achievements throughout two divisions, the Olympic gold medallist admits that his dream of defending his three world titles in Ukraine appears more and more unlikely given the present scenario.

“Now I think it’s not possible,” he confessed to Sky Sports when requested concerning the dream prospect of combating in his home nation. “Russia fights with Ukraine, a lot of rockets. I speak with my daughter, 14 years old. ‘Hey, how are you?’ – ‘Oh Papa, this night was terrible.’

“My family can reside in a bomb shelter, I’ve [that]. ‘Hey Papa, right now I’m going to bomb shelter, oh my God I’m afraid.’ I stated: ‘Hey pay attention, don’t be concerned please, tomorrow I’m going home.’ Listen, I believe it is a huge drawback, a lot.”

The ongoing battle between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated into a ‘full-scale invasion’ in February 2022, has made it impossible for Usyk to defend his titles in front of a home crowd. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old, who joined Ukraine‘s Territorial Defence Force when the war broke out, has continued to proudly represent his nation in the ring over the past three years.

His determination has earned him widespread admiration, not only from his fellow Ukrainians but also from the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reports the Mirror US.

“Victory! So important and so needed by all of us proper now,” Zelenskyy wrote on X after Usyk’s rematch victory over Fury last year. “By defending his championship belt, Oleksandr Usyk proves we’re Ukrainians, and we is not going to give up what’s ours! No matter how arduous it will get – we are going to overcome all the things. Whether it’s within the ring, on the battlefield, or within the diplomatic enviornment – we are going to combat, and we is not going to give up what’s ours! Congratulations in your victory, Cossack! Congratulations in your victory, Ukraine!”

The reigning WBO, WBA, and WBC world heavyweight champion is yet to lock in his next bout. However, Sergey Lapin, a longtime friend, confided to the Mail that the champ intends to step back into the ring sometime from July to September 2025. The boxing grapevine is abuzz with speculation about a possible rematch with Dubois, who currently holds the IBF belt.

Last week, Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, admitted: “The combat I’d like to see occur can be him towards Usyk. For apparent causes: the 4 belts on the road… We’re having talks with a couple of people in the intervening time. It’s one thing that is being explored, and hopefully, it might result in one thing.”

However, Usyk has lately been compelled by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to face Joseph Parker as a necessary protection. Parker has been on an unimaginable successful streak and is actively searching for the matchup.