Vasyl Lomachenko, a Ukrainian boxing hero, has returned home and volunteered in the territorial army to help defend his people against Russian soldiers.
The 34-year-old boxer, who has won world titles in three weight divisions, is said to have fled Greece in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion to join the fight in Ukraine.
Lomachenko published a photo of himself dressed in military uniform on his Facebook page, re-posting a statement from local mayor Vitaly Hrazhdan, who is also shown.
‘The Belgorod-Dniester Territorial Defense Battalion has been created and armed,’ reads the letter. Vasyl Lomachenko, a boxer, is defending himself.’
According to accounts, the boxing great has had a hectic few days following his long and winding journey back to Ukraine from Greece.
According to reports, he had to first go to Bucharest, Romania, before crossing into Ukraine to reach his hometown of Odessa.
Wladimir and Vitaly Klitschko, Lomachenko’s brothers and fellow boxers, are also in the ring.