Oleksandr Usyk says ‘Russia is trying to kill all of us’

Usyk launched another attack against Russia

Oleksandr Usyk has once again called out Russia for their attacks on his native homeland of Ukraine and insisted that "Russia is trying to kill all of us." With the help of a translator, Usyk was speaking to JOE at the press conference for his hotly-anticipated rematch against Anthony Joshua, which will take place in Saudi Arabia on August 20. https://twitter.com/matt_goku/status/1497974128137093121

Usyk has returned from fighting the war in Ukraine to take part in the rematch

There had initially been doubts about whether the heavyweight bout would go ahead as Usyk returned to Ukraine to help in the fight against the Russian invasion. But Usyk has since returned from the frontline and is now in training as he bids to defend his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts he won from Joshua in their first fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. However that hasn't stopped the Ukrainian from spreading the message about the ongoing atrocities in his home country once more as he explained what life was like for him while serving at the front of the battle. "In Ukraine it's very hot right now because the Russian federation is trying to kill all of us and it sends rockets to our land," he explained.

Usyk refused to reveal his preparations for the fight

Usyk also spoke of the atmosphere at the previous fight and his hoping to replicate his performance and win for the people of his country, who have been so badly affected by the war. "The fight, the previous fight was just amazing," he added. "There was such a huge amount of people in attendance, this is something I saw in my dreams." But Usyk chose to remain coy when asked if he had been working on anything in particular during his training for the fight. Refusing to give away much he simply said: "We'll see." Related links:

• Anthony Joshua says he will be a “boxing legend” if he wins Usyk rematch
• Oleksandr Usyk explains why he’s left Ukraine for Anthony Joshua rematch
• Tyson Fury reportedly in talks to fight winner of Usyk vs Joshua rematch