Heavyweight champion on joining Kyiv defense: ‘There is no fear, absolutely no fear’

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk said he has “absolutely no fear” of joining Ukraine’s defense amid the Russian invasion of his native country. 

In an interview with CNN published Wednesday, Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist, said he’s prepared to take a life if necessary, adding that he’s looking out for looters in the streets as well for Russian military forces. 

“If they will want to take my life, or the lives of my close ones, I will have to do it,” Usyk told CNN.  “But I don’t want that. I don’t want to shoot, I don’t want to kill anybody, but if they will be killing me, I will have no choice.”

Usyk also said he isn’t afraid of the terrifying situation, adding that he is reassured by his faith and loyalty to his native country, according to CNN. 

“Maybe, it’ll sound sentimental,” Usyk said. “But my soul belongs to the Lord and my body and my honor belong to my country, to my family. So there is no fear, absolutely no fear. There’s just bafflement — how could this be in the 21st century?”

Usyk now joins Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko, the mayor’s brother Wladimir and Vasiliy Lomachenko as part of a growing former number boxing champions fighting against the Russian invasion. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on Thursday and has led to a series of international sanctions against Moscow. American companies in a variety of sectors have moved to end business with Russia.

Notable star athletes of Russian and Ukrainian descent have voiced their displeasure of the impending invasion, and sporting leagues and organizations have taken action against Russia as well. 

Usyk, 35, added that it’s uncertain if he will continue his boxing career after the conflict, adding that defending his country and his honor is more important, CNN noted. 

“I really don’t know when I’m going to be stepping back in the ring,” Usyk said. “My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt.”