Usyk set to leave Ukraine to prepare for Joshua fight

The undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has left his native Ukraine to prepare for his rematch with Anthony Joshua.

The 35-year-old has been helping to defend his country from the Russian attack after enlisting in Ukraine’s military.

Usyk beat Joshua in September to become the unified champion, and the two will meet in the ring again in June.

Usyk is one of several former and current Ukrainian boxers who have come to the defence of their homeland.

Three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko has also taken up arms

Brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, both former world heavyweight champions, are also in Kyiv. (AFP)