The undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs) reported that five different countries, including Russia, suggested that he change his citizenship:
«Russia is also on this list. But I didn’t even think about giving up the Ukrainian passport, because I consider myself a patriot of my native country and sincerely wish Ukraine to flourish. God made me born in Ukraine. Therefore, I will always remain Ukrainian.»
In the same interview, Usyk said that he would soon switch to the Ukrainian language.