Usyk: For me it is important that my victories raise the national spirit of people

Unified cruiserweight champion Alexander Usyk (15-0, 11 KOs) named his main task in the ring and explained who the national hero for him is: "For me it makes no difference who in front of me in the ring is. Is he a Russian, Ukrainian, German or American? This is boxing, not politics.”

“It is important for me that my victories raise the national spirit of people. It makes sports more attractive in the eyes of teenagers; it supports pride for Ukraine in the hearts of the older generation. This is the value. And the fact that in our country they do not shout about this on every corner, it's even good. It saves people from arrogance.

“For me, modern heroes are all those guys who represent our country at the Olympic Games, European championships, world championships. I'm a hero for my children, and this is the best recognition that I can get.

“Athletes glorify the country not because it gave them something, but simply because they have it, because it is their Motherland. My main task is to get out of the ring healthy as much as possible.

“After the last fight, I warned everyone from the ring that Father was in the building, let them not forget and be afraid! I do not prepare victorious speeches, so the comments after the fight are always improvisation.”