The Ukrainian heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk burst into song after a tense face-off with Anthony Joshua, as the two fighters went head-to-head at the final press conference for their rematch. Usyk is looking to deliver a morale-boosting victory to a nation at war with Russia. The 35-year-old former undisputed cruiserweight has been given dispensation by the Ukrainian military to leave his country and fight Joshua knowing the feelgood factor it could generate in a country under siege. The red kalyna song symbolises national resistance and aspirations for freedom and has become very popular since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
