UKRAINE will be backed by some of the greatest boxers in their history fighting against Vladimir Putin's Russia.
It has witnessed not only Russia's invasion in Ukraine but also the support of all surrounding countries.
This has been reflected in the sport world with many boxing organizations refusing to sanction fights in Russia.
It happens as some of the sport’s stars past and present take up arms to defend Ukraine during war.
SunSport presents a list of brave heroes who have volunteered to serve their country.
Vitali Klitschko
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."
Since 2014, Vitali Klitschko is the mayor of Kyiv
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 the past year and has also promised to fight on 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 Lopes. He has won twice since then and is aiming to fight George Kambosos Jr., a new lightweight unified champ.
However, talks to his return are stalled and Loma was last seen with a M16. Ukrainian media reported that he had joined Belgorod-Dniester Terror Defence Battalion.
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.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://secondsaway.co.uk/boxing/joe-calzaghes-marvelous-career
