Will Oleksandr Usyk & Vasyl Lomachenko Return to the Ring Sooner Than Expected?
When war erupted in their homeland, professional boxers Vasyl Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KO’s) and Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KO’s) put their careers on hold to rush home to aid in the defense effort. Each returned and linked up with the local military battalion. Now however, it seems that both may be about to put down the bullets and resume boxing. Bob Arum explained to Fanatics View that the cultural minister of Ukraine allowed them the opportunity to train outside of the country.
“The Ukrainian government, which is tremendous in cooperating with us as far as Lomachenko and also Usyk. They realize this tremendous publicity value in having them come out, train, and participate in title fights, and hopefully the war will then be over. But if it isn’t, go back into defense mode.”
Arum said it’s dependent on if they accept the permission to return to boxing.
“So, I don’t know where that stands with either guy, whether they’re going to accept the offer of the cultural minister of Ukraine to leave and to train for a fight.”
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
If this turns out to be the case, both will return to very meaningful fights. WBA Super, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk could finally stage his highly anticipated rematch with Anthony Joshua. Likewise, Lomachenko would get a crack at WBA Super, IBF and WBO lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr.
The dedication that these two have shown to their people and nation is truly commendable. At the same time, there is very little either is capable of merely wielding a rifle. This is certainly no Hollywood movie where they go back, penetrate enemy lines and turn the tide of the conflict themselves. Honestly speaking, they probably are better served in the ring as a symbol of their homeland and struggle.
MIND IN THE GAME?
It is worth pondering where the two men will be mentally, assuming they do in fact return to the squared-circle. With the end to the violence and death in this conflict nowhere in sight, it’s reasonable to believe that they will be distracted in their first camps back; especially if they hit the ground running. Or perhaps, returning to the normalcy and solitude of boxing will provide them a critical outlet for their extreme emotions and mind state. In the end, only time will tell the story. Thankfully, 3Kings Boxing will be here to report the news!
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By: Bakari Simpson
