Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk spoke in detail about his time defending his homeland. This period saw him photographed holding a rifle and standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Ukrainian soldiers.
The haunting images sparked years of speculation over whether Usyk ever had to use his weapon. Now, more than three years later, WBN found an interview where the heavyweight king set the record straight.
The Journey Home
On seeing his family for the first time in months during the startling first period of the war, Usyk detailed his journey back to his homeland.
“I had to cancel a direct flight to Kyiv,” Usyk told Profiboxing.cz upon his return a couple of years ago. “I came back via Poland. It took a day to get to Kyiv. Then another two to see my family, and I calmed down a bit.”
The unified champion’s return was fraught with tension. After reuniting with his loved ones, Usyk joined local volunteers working to safeguard key areas as fighting intensified nearby.
‘I May Have Picked Up a Gun, But I Would Never Use It’
In the midst of those chaotic days, photos of Usyk armed with a rifle began circulating worldwide — prompting praise, rumors, and questions.
Usyk has now made his position clear.
“I may have picked up a gun, but that doesn’t mean I would use it,” he said firmly. “I never shot anyone.”
He credited his faith for guiding him through the ordeal.
“I was brought up in the Orthodox faith, which teaches us not to judge others. But for me, whoever supports war is a schizophrenic, a sick person.”
Family Under Threat
Usyk also described the trauma experienced by his family and neighbors during those early attacks.
“I know they shot at our house, broke down the gate, and dragged away some of our neighbors,” he said. “But I don’t know what it looks like there now. We can’t get in touch with anyone. It’s terrible when yours run to hide in the basement at every rustle.”
A Champion’s Perspective
Asked what he would say to those behind the violence, Usyk’s reply was measured and emotionless.
“What would I say to him? Nothing. I’m not interested in the man. I have nothing to say to him.”
For Usyk, boxing became a way to process the experience — a focus that kept him grounded.
“I didn’t think for a moment that I would stay there. This fight will be special for me in that respect.”
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.