Oleksandr Usyk's Story Follows The Ukraine War: I Pray To God That No One Kills Me

Oleksandr Usyk (Instagram @usykaa)

JAKARTA - Ukraine's world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk recounted the difficult experiences he had in Ukraine's war against Russia.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, Usyk chose to put his gloves aside and took up arms to defend his country. However, the experience was admittedly heavy.

"Every day I was there I just prayed and asked God that no one would try to kill me, that no one would come and shoot me. I also prayed that God wouldn't let me shoot anyone," he told the promotion of the fight with Anthony Joshua was quoted from Marca, Tuesday.

Soldiers release Usyk

Usyk was involved in the war for two months. Then work called him and Usyk had to leave his country even though he didn't want to. However, he had the support of the army and other institutions in his homeland.

"I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave my country. At one point I went to the hospital where the wounded soldiers were and they asked me to do this fight for our country. They told me that by doing that I would help more than by staying."

The war continued and Vladimir Putin did not relent in the hostilities. Meanwhile, although some Ukrainians have fled the country, others are still in the midst of fighting.

"My family is gone, but I have many close friends who are still in Ukraine. I am in touch every day and I always keep an eye on whether they are okay or not. This is where I am and I want to be there, finishing my fight. I'll be back. Sometimes I force myself to smile or sing. I don't know how to explain it. My kids ask me why they want to kill us and I don't know how to answer."

Usyk will defend his full IBF, WBO and WBA titles on August 20 against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.