OLEKSANDR USYK says messages from Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline fighting Russians is fuelling his mission to beat Anthony Joshua again.
The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight world champion had to leave his beloved country under siege in March to accept the Saudi rematch.
Usyk is bidding to defend his world titles against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia this weekend
He is being inspired by video messages from Ukrainian soldiers
Usyk, 35, has received countless videos and messages from his war-torn countrymen to spur him on for a repeat of last year’s epic win over Joshua in Tottenham.
He said: “I am not motivated by the news, nor the war.
“I am motivated by the people of Ukraine who are struggling hard to defend our independence, to defend our freedom and defend our culture that other people want to demolish and destroy, they don’t want us to exist anymore.
“I am in touch with many guys from the frontline, military guys and soldiers.
“I receive voice and video messages from them with words of support and news that they are praying for me and for my victory.
“They are holding their hands tight and praying for my victory and that motivates me.”
Joshua, 32, hopes appointing new coach Robert Garcia will inspire him to reclaim his titles.
But Usyk trumps that by having his nation’s No 1 in his corner as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky is sending messages of support.
Usyk added: “It’s the real deeds of people that motivate me.
“If the President of Ukraine had left in the first days of the war, it would have been a very bad thing that would leave the Ukrainian people without hope.
“But he didn’t. That is what has motivated us to stand strong and fight.
“I am pretty sure that if we had someone else as president that we would have not moved in the positive direction that we have.”
Usyk spent some time on the frontline with his fellow Ukrainians
Usyk schooled Joshua in their first fight in London last year
Ukraine has been at war with Russia for six months
