OLEKSANDR USYK’S journey from Ukraine’s frontline to the Jeddah desert and his Anthony Joshua rematch could be revealed by SunSport.
The 35-year-old London 2012 Olympic champion flew again into the capital final September to dethrone fellow golden boy AJ of his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.
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However earlier than he may even signal the rematch contract, whereas on a February journey to the UK his nation was plunged into struggle in opposition to Vladimir Putin’s invaders.
With assist from a supply contained in the 19-0 freedom fighter’s camp, we will reveal the emotional and bodily voyage Usyk has undertaken to defend rather more than his titles on August 20.
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SPRING INTO ACTION
Usyk left his dwelling for London on February 21 for some enterprise however knew he needed to be again on the twenty fourth for daughter Yelizaveta’s birthday.
He visited London to look at Chelsea’s 2-0 Champions League win over Lille on the twenty second after which a Sheffield fitness center to shoot for a online game on the twenty third.
However on the morning of the twenty fourth, the primary rockets and bombs exploded in Kyiv and all air journey and connections have been stopped.
Understanding he had a home filled with friends, mates and associates from throughout Ukraine for his household celebrations, Usyk hatched a plan to get again.
He took a Eurostar to Brussels after which a practice on to Poland after which got here as much as the Ukraine border to cross as a pedestrian.
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However officers wouldn’t let him go as a pedestrian. Fortunately he met one other Ukrainian crossing in his automobile in order that they loaded up in his automobile and progressed.
It took him round two days to get dwelling, with the highway journey from the border to his dwelling ten hours alone.
TAKING UP ARMS
By February 28, Usyk was already defending his folks with a machine gun over his shoulder.
He joined the Kyiv Territorial Defence navy group to defend the realm the place he and his household dwell and, collectively together with his mates, they shaped a gaggle to defend their territory.
Our supply revealed: “He had a machine gun, as everybody within the group did. It was loaded however he was praying on daily basis that it might stay silent so he would by no means need to shoot.
“Fortunately God heard his prayers and he by no means needed to.
“However one other home he lived in beforehand was attacked and occupied by Russians.”
Usyk stayed within the basement of his home, along with all of the friends who got here to have fun his daughter’s birthday.
He misplaced round 22lb in weight throughout his time, too burdened to coach or eat nicely.
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FIGHT OR FLIGHT
Round March 25 — after virtually a month of life-or-death hiding and patrolling — Usyk took to social media to substantiate, after some deep soul looking, the rematch was agreed and he can be leaving Kyiv.
The wannabe Hollywood actor was in opposition to leaving Ukraine so had requested his spouse Yekaterina to go away and take their kids to a secure place. She stated she would by no means go away Ukraine with out him.
Usyk’s devotion to his nation wouldn’t let him go away immediately so he stayed a pair extra weeks and frolicked with the navy guards and his mates on the entrance line.
He met them and talked to them and visited hospitals with the wounded troopers.
However Ukraine’s brightest minds and strongest voices lastly satisfied him he may obtain extra on the world sporting stage than on the entrance line.
He spoke to many highly effective folks and so they all suggested him on returning to boxin. His staff then formally utilized to the minister of sport to present Usyk and his staff permission to go away the nation and begin his coaching camp.
They acquired that official permission from sports activities minister Vadym Gutzeit after he spoke to the President and Prime Minister Zelensky and so they all confirmed Usyk ought to go and symbolize Ukraine on the world scene.
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HUNGARY FOR SUCCESS
Usyk and his small and devoted staff met in Western Ukraine and drove throughout the border to Hungary and stayed in Budapest for an evening. Then they moved to the Czech Republic.
Regardless of experiences, the convoy by no means crossed the border into Poland and by no means stayed in Poland.
Workforce Usyk stayed within the Czech Republic for round two weeks, beginning his coaching camp there along with Polissya Zhytomyr, the soccer staff he made his debut for in a February 4 pleasant.
When the struggle was confirmed the group made their approach to Dubai by way of automobile and airplane and arrange dwelling within the Field IQ fitness center the place he hopes to acclimatise faster and higher than AJ, who stays in Loughborough.
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STATE OF EMERGENCY AND MIND
Usyk appeared refuelled and highly effective on the Jeddah media occasions final week. He gained their face-off on the press convention, forcing AJ to interrupt their stare first.
The maverick danced within the mocked-up ring proper in entrance of Joshua, whereas filming a promo, after which threw extra shapes with ringside followers.
The champ, we’re instructed, is again to his terrifying greatest and already has WBC champ Tyson Fury on his busy thoughts.
Our insider stated: “It’s true that Usyk misplaced lots of weight however most Ukrainians misplaced lots of weight at first of the struggle since you can not really feel hungry sitting round in a basement hiding from explosions.
“After we moved to his coaching camp he acquired fully centered on his objection to struggle and beat AJ within the rematch.
“The staff has been engaged on his bodily and psychological well being and you may see from the press convention that he’s fully OK and his psychological and bodily well being are on a excessive stage. His situation and motivation are the perfect they are often.
“He’s on the right track to defend his titles and his standing because the unified heavyweight champion after which moved to change into the undisputed champion.
“It can make historical past as the primary man ever to be undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight, within the 4 belt period.”
It will likely be some story.
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