Ukrainas proudly fights Ukrainas in the heart

Ukrainas proudly fights Ukrainas in the heart

GANDIA, Spain, may not be the first place to think of you when you think of one of the greatest stars in Ukraine. But here the reigning world champion in heavyweight Oleksandr USYK prepared.

a quiet retreat for usyk

Compared to other cities in the area, Gandia is quieter and offers geography and a climate that surprisingly commemorates the southern Crimea - an important property for USYK and his team. When visiting his training center-a converted co-working space, which now acts as a fortress and gym-one is greeted by the numerous Ukrainian symbols.

strongly connected to the home

The yellow-blue colors on the walls, the flags and other memorabilia that Usyk has personally selected make it clear that Ukraine and its struggle for survival are always present in his mind. "It is a little difficult to reconcile everything when your family is in Kiev," the WBA, WBO and WBO heavyweight master told CNN Sports .

family and training

CNN observes about the day how Usyk interacts with his two sons - he hugs her, tells jokes and even plays a little football with them. You came to the training camp with him, where he knows that you are safe. However, some family members stayed in Ukraine. "My two daughters and my wife are there. But I just know that my Ukrainian compatriots and my soldiers will protect them," said Usyk.

keep the focus on training

If Usyk is not prepared for a fight, he spends most of the time in his family home in Kiev. He knows the challenges with which his family is confronted every night, while Russian drones and bombs attack. To concentrate on his training, he avoids the news because he believes that they would distract him.

Constant connections to the front

Despite his efforts to concentrate on training, he receives regular information from the military. Ukraine's territorial defense forces joined the territorial defense forces when Russia 2022 started his comprehensive invasion and has visited the front lines several times. "The boys who defend our country are on the front," said Usyk. "I get information that is sent to me. If the situation is dangerous, tell me."

fighting spirit and gratitude

He also receives news about the success of the Ukraine, such as the brave drone attacks on Russian military bases . "I want to express my deep thanks to Vasyl Vasyliovych (Malyuk, head of the SBU) - great work," he added with a grin and knocked on the chest. Usyk had also contacted the SBU boss.

fight for Ukraine

While Usyk wants to avoid distractions from training during his preparation for the title fight against Daniel Dubois on July 19, discussions about the bloody battles on the front are a welcome change and important for his comrades. "We try not to talk about the scary things that you do to defend our country. You are more interested in what I do. When I ask you questions, say: 'Wait, wait. Tell us what happens to you?

a tireless fighter

These moments offer the fighters a little breather while fighting for Ukrainian sovereignty. The war, which started as a professional boxing in 2014, has strongly shaped. "I think in a way, it motivated me to do something for my country," he confessed. He not only fights for himself, but also used his platform to To raise awareness of his country's challenges.

Despite all of his activities outside the ring, Usyk remains with a balance of 23 siegen unbeaten, including 14 by Knockout. He is confident that he is also perfect in his fight against Dubois in the Wembley Stadium. "How confident am I? 100,000,000%," he said to CNN Sports. "It is difficult to (to hide the war), but I can concentrate on my work so that I can help my country better later."