LOS ANGELES: Ukrainian boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko was preparing for a fight to regain his world lightweight championship belts in February when he heard that Russia had invaded his home country.
Instead of staying safely abroad, the two-time Olympic gold medallist known as "Loma" raced back to join the war effort.
"That's a clear decision, a normal decision, for any man when it's time to defend his home country," Lomachenko told Reuters through an interpreter while preparing for his bout against American Jamaine Ortiz on Saturday in New York, his first since the start of the invasion.
The uncertain early days of the conflict were the most difficult, he said.
"During those first days, the Russian military advanced very rapidly, taking over one city after another and going towards Kiev. So you could not get a clear understanding of what might happen tomorrow in your area, in your region," he said.
What he discovered while standing side by side with other volunteers was that Ukrainians are full of resolve and boundless bravery.
"We have a lot of courageous people, people who are willing to sacrifice for the sake of our nation," he said.
A former world champion in three weight classes, the 34-year-old lightweight said his experience in the ring helped him while he was serving -- but only up to a point.
"Both physically and mentally in boxing, you have to have this danger awareness when you're in the ring. You have to be constantly on the lookout in order to protect yourself, in order to not allow the opponent to inflict any damage," he said.
"Of course, you cannot compare a boxing environment to when you're out on the battlefield and you have rockets and bullets flying over you.
"But at the same time, I would think that I was more prepared compared to people who had no experience in any combat sports, so it gave me an edge."
Asked what his message was to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has called Russia's actions in Ukraine a "special military operation," Lomachenko was blunt.
"He'll be judged by God," he said.
He said the situation on the ground had improved enough that he felt he could resume his boxing career and added that he was proud to represent Ukraine on the global sporting stage.
"Every time you go into a fight you represent your own country, you stand behind the colours of your flag," he said.
"And this time is no different. It's another opportunity to show the world who I am and to bring attention to Ukraine."
Lomachenko takes on the undefeated Ortiz on Saturday at Madison Square Garden and, if he wins, should get a shot at undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney next.
Reuters
Fri Oct 28 2022
Lomachenko takes on the undefeated Ortiz on Saturday at Madison Square Garden and, if he wins, should get a shot at undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney next. - Unsplash
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.