OLEKSANDRUSYK is "unable to stop thinking about" Ukraine's warravaging Ukraine as he prepares to face Anthony Joshua.
After defending his homeland against Russian invaders for over a month, the unified heavyweight champion has returned to the frontlines to get ready for AJ's summer showdown.
Oleksandr Usyk, unified heavyweight champ, has been fighting for his homeland against a Russian invasion
The proud Ukrainian finds it difficult to concentrate on his maiden title defense as Russian troops continue their destruction of his country.
BlockAsset was informed by him that he wanted to focus as much as possible on his preparation for the rematch.
"Because I can't stop thinking about the war and about my friends in Ukraine at the moment.
"And I must get rid of such thoughts in order to prepare well for the Anthony Joshua battle and be able glorify again My God Jesus Christ and my native country."
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His loss of contact and hurt feelings towards his friends has made Usyk's pain worse.
According to the slick southpaw, boxing is not a sport. Boxing is a skill. War is survival.
"Fortunately, I didn’t see much of it, but I did see what I heard from my family and friends. It was terrible.
"Some of my friends have disappeared and we don’t know where they are right now.
"Majority of my relatives lost their homes, lost their friends, and lost loved ones."
Uysk prays for an end to the atrocities committed in the name Russian president Vladimir Putin.
He stated: "Frankly speaking all that is happening now is quite terrible - in Ukraine.
"Everyday I pray for the end of this horrible horror. Boxing is a child's game compared to war.
"War is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
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The final details of Uysk's rematch against Joshua, who he beat in their Tottenham tussle last September, are still being worked out.
It is understood that the second showdown between the two will be in Saudi Arabia, with June 25 being the current date for their desert dust-up.
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