Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk faithful a ancient victory that noticed him retain his international heavyweight titles to his war-torn hometown on Saturday evening.
The 35-year-old, who has served in Ukraine’s military, beat Britain’s Anthony Joshua on issues after a highly-anticipated 12-round battle.
Usyk used to be praised via President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the boxer celebrated with a Ukrainian flag signed via his nation’s infantrymen.
“It was extremely important for my country, for my team and personally for me. I fought for the whole country and half of the world,” Usyk stated.
“I commit this victory to my nation, to my circle of relatives, to my staff, to the entire army protecting this nation. Thank you very, very a lot.”
Zelenskyy joined millions of Ukrainians in applauding the win, which was broadcast for free across the Eastern European nation.
“Difficult, however vital and important victory,” Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter.
“Defending the identify of the sector champion is an emblem of the truth that all Cossacks is not going to surrender theirs, will battle for it and can no doubt win!”
Usyk is already regarded as a countrywide hero via many in war-torn Ukraine, the place he took up hands with the rustic’s defence pressure after Russia’s invasion in February.
Joshua, 32, neglected out on a bid to regain his standing as a heavyweight champion after shedding the battle in Saudi Arabia.
