Crawford asked to pray for Ukraine

WBO world welterweight title holder Terence Crawford published a video on social networks in which he expressed words of support to the people of Ukraine, in particular to Ukrainian boxers and to his friend Nikolai Kovalchuk, president of the WBC branch in Ukraine.

In his video, Crawford praised Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, former lightweight champion Vasily Lomachenko, heavyweight champion (WBO, WBA, IBF) Oleksandr Usyk and Viktor Postol, whom Crawford fought in 2016 in a bout for unification of super lightweight titles . Crawford's call for support for the Ukrainian people came shortly after news broke of the massacre perpetrated by the Russian occupiers in Bucha.

“I recorded this video to convey words of love and support to my Ukrainian friends. It's really hard for them right now," Crawford said. “I ask each of you guys to pray for them. And send your love and support. I have a couple of friends there - Nikolay, the president of the WBC - and they are really going through this right now. I know that there are other fighters like Klitschko, Lomachenko, Usyk, Viktor Postol, the guy with whom I once shared the ring. They are fighting for their country."

“They need support. Support them. Let's pray for peace. I hope that someday things will return to normal for these guys. Let's turn to them in our prayers," Crawford added.

34-year-old Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) last fought in November, knocking out Shawn Porter in the 10th round in a welterweight bout in Las Vegas. Crawford is a free agent and has no scheduled fights at this time.