As Oleksandr Usyk prepares for his next bout, the Ukrainian heavyweight champion remains deeply connected to the war unfolding in his homeland. Stationed in the quiet coastal town of Gandia, Spain, Usyk has turned his training base into a powerful tribute to Ukraine, even as he focuses on his upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
A Training Camp That Reflects Crimea
Usyk’s current base, a converted co-working center in Gandia, mirrors the landscape of southern Crimea, his home region. The area’s geography and climate offer a sense of familiarity, serving as a comforting backdrop for his training camp. Inside, Ukraine is everywhere: yellow and blue walls, flags, and personal memorabilia fill the gym. These symbols of national identity are not just for motivation—they are reminders of what Usyk is fighting for beyond the ring.
The World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion acknowledged the challenges of focusing on boxing while loved ones remain in Kyiv. “It’s a little difficult to balance things when your family is in Kyiv,”. While his sons are with him in Spain, his wife and daughters have stayed behind. Still, Usyk draws strength from the resilience of his countrymen. “I just know that my Ukrainian people and my Ukrainian soldiers will protect them.”
Life on the Frontlines and in the Ring
The war in Ukraine remains a constant backdrop for Usyk. Though he avoids watching the news to maintain his mental clarity, his connections within the military keep him informed. He joined Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and has since visited the frontlines multiple times. He receives real-time updates from soldiers and Ukrainian officials, including the head of Ukraine’s Security Services, Vasyl Malyuk, whom he recently praised for successful drone operations inside Russia.
“I have information that is sent to me. When things are dangerous, they tell me,” he said. These communications allow him to remain in touch with the harsh reality of the war without letting it consume his training focus. In turn, Usyk provides his comrades with glimpses of normalcy, showing them videos of his workouts and sharing moments from his life abroad. “They’re more interested in what I’m doing,” he explained. “At that moment, I show them videos of our training sessions.”
From Crimea to the World Stage
Usyk’s career has been closely intertwined with the trajectory of modern Ukraine. He turned professional in 2013, just one year before Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The invasion marked the beginning of a decade-long crisis that reshaped his identity both as an athlete and as a citizen. “I think that, in a way, it motivated me to do something for my country,” he said.
His efforts have extended beyond military service. Usyk uses his public platform to advocate for Ukraine, raise funds, and urge international leaders to take action. He recently addressed U.S. President Donald Trump directly, inviting him to visit Kyiv to witness firsthand the conditions under which Ukrainians are living. His advocacy is rooted in personal experience—when not preparing for a match, Usyk resides in Kyiv and understands the dangers his family and neighbors face during nightly bombings and drone strikes.
Despite these distractions, the 23-0 undefeated fighter remains resolute in his professional goals. Fourteen of his victories have come by knockout, and he expresses total confidence ahead of the unification bout with Dubois. “How confident am I? One hundred percent. 100,000,000%,”. A Fighter in and out of the Ring.
As he trains for what could be one of the defining matches of his career, Usyk continues to serve as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience. He bridges the gap between athlete and soldier, advocate and citizen. While his gym in Spain may be thousands of miles from the conflict, his heart remains in Ukraine.
“It’s difficult (to tune out the war), but I can switch off to do my job so that I can help my country more later on,” he said.
In balancing the pursuit of athletic greatness with his country’s ongoing fight for survival, Oleksandr Usyk stands as a rare figure whose victories extend far beyond the ropes of the boxing ring.