Oleksandr Usyk praised his country’s Olympians as they prepare to compete against the backdrop of their country at war.
It is more than two years since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and in that time, Ukrainian heavyweight Usyk has become the first-ever four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
He has since vacated the IBF strap, and new champion Daniel Dubois will defend his strap against Anthony Joshua on September 21, live on DAZN .
Ukraine’s athletes are due to represent their country with the Olympics (live on Peacock in the US ) opening ceremony due for Friday.
Speaking to Sky News , Usyk praised his compatriots.
"You can do what you want to," he said.
"Ukrainian people and sportspeople, for me it's special people because what's going on now in my country.
"People from different sports - boxing, athletics, judo, wrestling - find time training, find time to support Ukraine, find time to help all Ukrainian people, but then go to Olympic Games.
"It's unbelievable. People do a lot of work.
"Gold medal, bronze medal, silver medal for me doesn't matter, but I want Ukrainian sportspeople to have good support."
Live on DAZN: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov on August 3. Click here for details .