Legendary Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko commented on the decision of the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to leave Ukraine to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua.

“There are pluses and minuses here, and for Alexander it was certainly not an easy decision.. However, the very fact that our country's anthem will be played and our flag raised can be regarded more positively than negatively,"

In the early days of the Russian invasion, Usyk entered the territorial defense, but later received permission to leave the country and said that he would be preparing for a rematch with Joshua.

The 35-year-old sportsman posted a video message on his Instagram page, where he explained his decision to leave Ukraine during the war.. According to the boxer, in this way he will help his country more.

Recall that on the night of September 26, Usyk defeated Joshua in London by unanimous decision - 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113, and won the IBF, WBO, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles. After that, the Briton activated the option of revenge, prescribed in the contract for the first fight..

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn previously said that a rematch could take place this June..

The 35-year-old Usyk has 19 wins (13 by knockout) in 19 fights. He held three of them in the heavyweight division.. Before that, Alexander became the absolute world champion in the cruiserweight (weight category up to 90.7 kg), having won all four of the most prestigious belts there..

Joshua, 32, has 24 wins (22 by KO) and two losses.. For the first time, AJ lost in June 2019 to Andy Ruiz, but in December of the same year he defeated the Mexican in a rematch and regained his titles.