The World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Heavyweight Champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, received special permission from his country’s government to step away from the defense line against the Russian invasion and return to the gym to defend his crowns.

Usyk announced his return to training this week and said he will rematch Anthony Joshua in his next fight, although it has not been made official and the details of the date and place are not yet known.

The 35-year-old champion returned to his country as soon as the conflict began and has remained in the service of Ukraine in recent weeks in a courageous behavior.

The Ukrainian government granted him permission to return to his sporting activities to Usyk, one of its greatest athletes today and the WBA celebrates that the champion can be doing what he loves.

The WBA reiterates its rejection of war and the Russian invasion on Ukrainian soil, while continues praying for the victims of the conflict.