Proud Ukranians and World champions Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk signed up to defend their beloved homeland following the Russian invasion. Both boxers were training for their upcoming world titles matches, when Russia escalated the conflict.
According to boxing promoter Bob Arum, Both Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk have been given special permission by the Cultural Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko, to leave the war-torn country in order to train for their upcoming title fights.
“The Ukrainian government, which is tremendous, are cooperating with us as far as Lomachenko and also Usyk”. Bob Arum told Fanatics Views.
“They realize there’s tremendous publicity value in having them come out, train and participate in title fights.”
“Hopefully the war will then be over, but if it isn’t, [they will then] go back into defense mode.”
“So I don’t know where that stands with either guys, whether they’re going to accept the offer of the cultural minister of Ukraine to leave and to train for fights.”
Usyk is set to box Anthony Joshua in a mandatory rematch in June of 2022. Usyk beat Joshua in his home country of England last year.
On the other hand, former lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko is in line for a title shot and is set to box current champion George Kambosos Jr in June of this year.
Yet Lomachenko has refused to leave Ukraine and has insisted on staying on the battlefield and fighting for the honor of his country.
Classy Kambosos said he has nothing but respect for his rival and praised Lomachenko’s courageous decision and prayed for his safety.
“I respect your decision and I totally understand and I pray for you and your country. Please stay safe and once I wipe the floor with Devin [Haney], we will make this fight between two real champions. God bless.” said Kambosos via a tweet.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was recently quoted saying: “It’s a very unique, personal, emotional situation and I don’t think we can really fathom what’s going on there and what’s going through the minds of people involved there.”