Boxing News: Russian Invasion Prompts Four Ukrainian Champions To Take Up Arms

KEY POINTS

The war between Russia and Ukraine has prompted Ukrainian world boxing champions to stand for their country
The Klitschko brothers led the way and Oleksandr Usyk followed suit
Vasiliy Lomachenko is the latest to enlist in the Ukrainian military

Four boxing world champions from Ukraine have put the sporting gears aside to help their fellow Ukrainians in the battle against Russia.

Ukraine has been all over the news in the past few days following the Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian government has decided to defend its country from the Russians even if it boils down to a bloody war.

Amid the invasion, former world heavyweight boxing champion-turned-mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, had pledged to join his country’s armed forces in the fight against the Russians.

“I don’t have any choice,” the 50-year-old told Good Morning Britain. “I have to do that. I would fight.”

GMB EXCLUSIVE:

'I don't have another choice. I have to do that.'

The Mayor of Kyiv @Vitaliy_Klychko tells @richardgaisford that it is 'already a bloody war' and he is prepared to fight for his country. pic.twitter.com/KvoGP5f92C
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 24, 2022

Vitali is accompanied by his younger brother Wladimir, who is also a former world champion, in the battle for their homeland.

On his official Twitter account, Wladimir stressed that Russia’s acts and it’s a threat not only to Ukraine but to the entire world as well.

Despite joining Ukraine’s army with his older brother, the 45-year-old is still promoting peace and unity.

“The world is watching how reckless and deadly imperialism is, not just for Ukraine but the whole world. Let history be a lesson to not be repeated,” Wladimir tweeted on Thursday, February 24.

“The Ukrainian people are strong. And it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers. It knows that they basically do not want this war."

1/4 “No democracy without democrats“

Putin makes it clear that he wants to destroy the Ukrainian state and the sovereignty of its people. Words are followed by missiles and tanks. Destruction and death come upon us. That's it, blood will mix with tears.
➡https://t.co/89psny830m
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) February 24, 2022

Meanwhile, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has also returned to Ukraine to help his country.

Usyk is one of the most celebrated boxing superstars at present and is expected to take on Britain’s Anthony Joshua in a rematch this year.

Despite what is at stake, the 35-year-old decided to come home and fight for his nation.

“I am very worried about my country,” Usyk admitted. “For a lot of our people. Friends, we have to stop this war, and…. we have to do this. All together.”

Oleksandr Usyk will eventually move up and challenge for the heavyweight titles. In this picture, Usyk of Ukraine celebrates victory over Tony Bellew of England after the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF & Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Title Fight at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, Nov. 10, 2018. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

The latest Ukrainian boxer to follow suit in the war against Russia was three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Like his compatriots, Usyk and the Klitschko brothers, Lomachenko is also taking part in the ongoing battle.

On his official social media accounts, Lomachenko posted a photo of him in a military outfit and wrote, “The Belgorod-Dnestrovsky Territorial Defense Battalion has been formed and armed. In the territorial defense, boxer Vasily Lomachenko informed the mayor Vitaly Grazhdan.”