Oleksandr Usyk says he does not know when he will box again after signing up to defend Ukraine from Russia’s invasion.
Having dethroned Anthony Joshua in September, Usyk is now WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight king.
AJ has activated his contractual clause to force a rematch.
This is now in major doubt after Usyk enlisted in Kyiv’s Territorial Defense amid the ongoing invasion by Vladimir Putin’s troops.
Speaking via a video link from a basement in Kyiv, Usyk told CNN, “I don’t know when I’m going to be stepping back in the ring.
“My country and my pride are more important to me than a championship belt.”
Asked if he is prepared to take a life, Usyk said: “If somebody is going to take my life away or my people who are close to me, I will have no choice.
“I don’t want to kill anybody, I don’t want to shoot anybody, but if it’s going to be my life on the line, I will do it.”
