(CNN)Heavyweight Boxing World ChampionOleksandr Usyksaid he didn't want to leave Ukraine .. The war continued, but injured Ukrainian soldiers urged him to "fight for the country" in a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Usyk returned to Ukraine, picked up weapons, and after Russia invaded his hometown, joined Kyiv's territorial defense corps and spent weeks supporting the war effort. rice field.
In March, the Ukrainian Sports Minister said Usyk would be given permission to return to training prior to the fight with Joshua, but the 35-year-old was still reluctant.
"I really didn't want to leave our country, I didn't want to leave our city," Usyk told reporters, according to Reuters. "I went to a hospital where soldiers were injured and rehabilitated from the war.
" They go to me, fight, fight for the country, fight for your pride , And to get there if you go, you're going to help more for our country.
"Many of my close people, friends, close friends now I know I'm fighting at the forefront. All I'm doing now is supporting them. In this fight, I have some kind of joy in what they do.
Last September, Usyk fought completely against Joshua in his backyard and went beyond class to get WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts. A rematch on August 20 was confirmed in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Usyk isn't ready to face in the coming months and he says he's worried he won't be able to get it back.
"Every day I was praying and asking God." Ask God. Don't let anyone try to kill me, "Usik said. "'Don't let anyone shoot me, and don't let me shoot anyone or anyone else.'
Usyk said in March via a video link from the basement. I told CNN, Kiv said it was not only an invader that he needed to pay attention to, but also a predator. He said he was ready to live his life if needed.
"If they want to take my life, or the life of my close friends, I would have to do that," he said. "But I don't want it. I don't want to shoot, I don't want to kill anyone, but if they kill me, I have no choice."
Usyk Egis Klimas, the manager of, helped coordinate the interview and translated it for the non-English speaking Usyk. Despite the horrifying situation many Ukrainians are now finding themselves, Usyk said he wasn't afraid.
"Maybe it sounds sentimental, but my soul belongs to the Lord, my body and my honor belong to my country, my family, so don't be afraid I'm afraid, absolutely no. I'm just confused. What will happen in the 21st century? "
