UKRAINE will be backed by some of the greatest boxers in their history fighting against Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has brought together the nations in crisis to unite and helped them rally around each other.
Russia is being outcast by the sports world.
Boxing organizations have also joined the fight by refusing to sanction any bouts in the country.
Some of Ukriane's most talented athletes are now fighting to defend their country from the increasing threat from their neighbors
SunSport presents a list of brave heroes who have volunteered to serve their country.
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Vitali Klitschko
The 50-year-old former heavyweight champion retired in 2012 to concentrate on politics.
Vitali, father-of-3 who married Natalie in 1996 has been mayor of Kyiv ever since 2014.
It left the ex-boxer with no choice but to take up arms.
ITV asked him: "I don’t have any other choice. That is what I must do. I will fight."
Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir (45) was the heavyweight king for nine more years, before Tyson Fury (33) took his crown in a 2015 upset.
Two years later, he would defeat Anthony Joshua, 32. He announced his retirement shortly afterward, skipping a Las Vegas rematch.
Kaya Evdokia's dad, Wladimir Evdokia (7 years old), has declined a comeback to boxing in recent years. He also promised to fight on the frontline.
In February, he enlisted in the reserve army of Ukraine and has publicly asked Russia for an end to the conflict.
Vasiliy Lomachenko
The 34-year-old southpaw is one of the most respected amateur boxers ever. He has a record of 396-1 as well as two Olympic gold medals.
He was quickly able to become a professional unlike any other. Lomachenko, a married couple with two children, became a champ of three divisions in 12 fights.
In 2020, he was defeated by Teofimo Lopez. However, he has won twice since then and is now aiming to fight George Kambosos Jr., a new lightweight unified champ.
He has decided to fight on the Ukrainian frontline after turning down a bout for the world title against George Kambosos Jr.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist, he refuses to leave the country. He has chosen to fight on the battlefield rather than in the boxing ring.
Oleksandr Usyk
Usyk won gold at the 2012 Olympics. He is also a former undisputed king of cruiserweight and current three-belt owner of heavyweight.
Joshua beat him in September, and the two are now contracted to a rematch immediately this year - though it is still uncertain.
The 35-year-old Usyk was in London last month to meet with AJ's promoter and to discuss a date for the rematch.
Now, however, the unbeaten, fearless father of three, who was married to Yekaterina in 2009 has enlisted with Kyiv Territorial Defence.
