By Shaun Murphy
Oleksandr Usyk championship defense against Anthony Joshua may never happen, after the heavyweight world champion demonstrated his commitment to fight for his country, stating that he has no idea when he will return to the ring after Russia invaded his native Ukraine.
Usyk, who was in Sheffield last week to promote the upcoming boxing game eSports Boxing Club when Putin’s military assault against Ukraine changed matters for the present world champion, is risking his life to defend the unjustified onslaught being waged by Putin’s army. He immediately set about returning to Ukraine and has now taken up arms to defend his besieged country.
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Usyk is due to meet Anthony Joshua for a world title rematch clash, after he dethroned the Londoner in September, but has now put that fight on hold as he focuses on defending his country. His commitment to Ukraine could mark the end of his boxing career if this war last years, as is very possible under the present circumstances. The current war is expected to last most of the rest of the year, as things stand.
He will not be allowed an indefinite period of time to defend his belts, given deadline periods by boxing governing bodies for world champions to defend their titles., though he may be granted a delay in the time for him to appear in the ring.
“I really don’t know when I’m going to be stepping back in the ring,” said Usyk, who looked exhausted and emotional in his interview with CNN. “My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt.”
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The unbeaten world champion said he is ready to kill if necessary, though it is not his wish. He risks being amputated or being killed in his admirable determination to defend his country.
In a video posted to Ukranians, he said: “Dear Ukraine and dear Ukrainians, some wrote about me running away. Not true, I had a work trip and now I’m back. I’m home,” Usyk said in the video.
“Friends, we need to unite together and overcome this, because we are faced with exceptional difficulties.
“I’m very overcome with emotions and I’m very concerned for my country and for our people. Friends we must stop this war and we must do it together.”
Usyk beat Joshua last September Image: dazn.com
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said last week that he didn’t expect the fight to be delayed and that he hoped to announce a date within the next two weeks. The fight is expected to be set for this May, but that won’t happen if Usyk is still committed to fighting for his country. It could mean him giving up the cherished belt he won, and forcing Joshua to fight someone else for the chance to regain his titles.
Picking up the titles he lost without throwing a punch for it is not something Joshua would want to do, as this won’t earn him any respect with boxing fans.
The news that Usyk is taking up arms to fight for Ukraine is potential bad news for Joshua, but could turn out to be good news if it affects Usyk’s training, but he is still forced to fight on the set date without any room to change things.
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