In Russia occupied Crimea, authorities have carried out more “nationalization” of Ukrainian property. This time it includes assets owned by two-time Undisputed World Champion boxer Oleksandr Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk, who was the Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion until vacating the WBO title in November, was one of dozens of Ukrainians to have their property seized. Usyk, politicians, entrepreneurs, military personnel, and others are of accused “cooperation with Kyiv” and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The head of the ‘State Council of the Republic of Crimea’ Volodymyr Konstantinov announced the seizures, according to UNN.
“Today, the list of nationalized property has been supplemented with the property of 84 more individuals and legal entities who cooperate with Kyiv and at the same time earn money in Crimea, which goes to support Ukrainian Nazis,” Konstantinov wrote. “Among them is the athlete Oleksandr Usyk, who is a supporter of Nazi ideology. He has repeatedly condemned the SVO and organized fundraising for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
United24 Media reports that earlier this year, “Russia’s occupation authorities said they generated billions of rubles by selling property seized from Ukrainian owners in occupied Crimea, including an apartment linked to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
What’s next for World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk?
On Monday, Boxing News reported that the 38-year-old Usyk was considering fighting Fabio Wardley. Usyk vacated the WBO title, which elevated Wardley to being their Heavyweight Champion.
Should they fight, Oleksandr Usyk would be in line to become an unprecedented Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion for the third time. Until, or if that happens, the latest talk is that Usyk may fight 40-year-old former champion Deontay Wilder.
Upon hearing about Usyk’s interest in him, Wilder told Fight Hub TV, “When he [Usyk] said that, in my mind I already said I accept, but I haven’t publicly said it. So, I’m gonna look right here in this camera and say it: Usyk, I appreciate the opportunity and I accept.”