Heavyweight champ Usyk calls for unity to stop war in Ukraine

World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has taken to social media to call for unity to end the war in Ukraine, and denies reports that he ran away from the country.

He had been in London earlier this week for a meeting about a boxing video game, but he says he has returned.

Other news stories:

Usyk: Back from work

Usyk said he had been accused by some fans of “running away” because he was in the United Kingdom, but he clarified the issue in an Instagram video translated by ESPN.

“Some wrote to me that I ran away. I didn’t. I was at work but I’m back, I’m home,” he said in the clip, which bore the caption “NO WAR.”

“Friends, we have to unite because it’s a hard time right now and I’m really emotional and worry about my country, and our people. Friends, we have to stop this war, all of us together,” he said.

Ukrainian men not allowed to leave borders

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky had banned male citizens from 18 to 60 years old from leaving due to the Russian invasion of the country. A government statement says “this regulation will remain in effect for the period of the legal regime of martial law. We ask the citizens to take this information into consideration.”

Usyk, who holds the united WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles since winning over Anthony Joshua in September, is reportedly close to finalizing a rematch with the Briton.