CHAMPION OF HOPE

Usyk helps war widow rebuild life and home after husband's death

- CHRIS McKENNA

OLEKSANDR USYK has fought on the frontline and brought joy to Ukraine at a torrid time as the war with Russia rumbles on.

His victory over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight king was one thing.

But bringing smiles can be more personal. Like when he met Anastasia Dzhunkivskyi recently.

Anastasia was the wife of Usyk’s former amateur team-mate Oleksiy, who was killed by Russian forces in Irpin during battle. Oleksiy was an established coach who was trying to help find the next Usyk and his death was a huge blow to the area.

An apartment building they called home was also bombed and the gym where Oleksiy trained young boxers was ruined while Anastasia had fled to Poland.

It has been dark times but while Usyk is helping out by continuing to shine in the ring and lift moods after initially taking up arms himself, he is now using his profile to fundraise and rebuild homes.