Ukrainian boxers Oleksandr Usik and Vasily Lomachenko are childhood friends. They grew up dreaming of fighting their way to fame and glory, and together they conquered the world with their fists.
Between them, 35-year-old Usyk and 34-year-old Lomachenko won three Olympic gold medals and have since established themselves among the world's elite boxers.
But now they are facing a very different battle – an existential battle – for the future of their country. As Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, Usik and Lomachenko traveled to Ukraine, took up arms and joined the regional defense battalion.
Speaking via a video link from a dungeon in Kyiv, Usyk exclusively told CNN that it needed to see not only the invading forces, but also the robbers. He says that he is ready to take his life if needed.
"If they want to take my life, or the lives of people close to me, I have to do it," he said. "But I don't want that. I don't want to be shot, I don't want to kill anybody, but if they kill me, I won't have a choice."
Usyk's manager, Egis Klimas, helped coordinate the interview and translate for Usyk, who does not speak English. Despite the dire situation that many Ukrainians now find themselves in, Usyk says he is not afraid.
“Maybe, it sounds sentimental,” he explained, “but my soul belongs to the Lord and my body and my honor belong to my country, my family. So there is no fear, no fear at all. Just an illusion – - How can this happen in the 21st century?"
He is yet to box in Ukraine, but the great art is still useful at this time. "It has helped me to be calm and mentally prepared," he said, "and it helps me to help others who are nervous and nervous."
Both men were out of the country when Russia invaded; Usyk was in London to shoot scenes for the upcoming video game.
He intended to fly home only a few hours after hostilities began, but with the airport closed, he flew to Warsaw in Poland and drove approximately 500 miles back home and to Kyiv on the border.
Lomachenko was visiting a monastery in Greece and returned home the next day. Instead of flying directly to his hometown of Odessa, he traveled to Bucharest, Romania, then went to port for nine hours and caught a ferry to Ukraine.
His manager told CNN he didn't know he was thinking of taking up arms until he had already signed up for a defense battalion. Former world boxing champion Vitaly – who is also the mayor of Kyiv – and Wladimir Klitschko have also taken up arms in defense of their nation.
'Bombing around is crazy'
Lomachenko was supposed to speak with CNN at the same time Usik spoke, but was not answering calls from his manager at the time. Klimas confirmed to CNN on Wednesday morning local time that Lomachenko was safe and sound.
He and Usyk live close: they are the godfathers of each other's children and celebrate family birthdays together. Six days into the war, Usyk knows that nowhere in Ukraine is safe anymore.
"Bombing around is crazy," Usik said. "They just bombed the city of Mariupol, a friend of mine got a rocket in his roof. [The Russians] are not playing the game."
As the fight progresses, so too does the debate over whether Russian athletes should be sanctioned for their country's actions. Usyk chose not to weigh in directly, suggesting that there are innocent people on both sides of the conflict.
"The Russian people really don't know what's going on here. They don't see what's happening. They are victims of their president [Vladimir Putin]."
Usyk is the only IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight Champion. In September, he claimed the belt by defeating Anthony Joshua in a spectacular boxing performance in London. His manager says talks for a rematch this summer are in the final stages.
Lightweight Lomachenko has previously been world champion in three different weight categories and was planning to fight Jorge Kambos in Australia in June.
But apparently, boxing is the last thing on his mind.
"I really don't know when I'm going to return to the ring," said Usyk, who looked exhausted and emotional in his interview with CNN. "My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt."
Usyk has three children and during the interview, young voices could be heard behind him in the basement.
He says that family, friends and neighbors are sheltering together. "When there's an air raid alarm, we hide. Of course, it's fun when a lot of us are here — we're having fun. But we're forcing ourselves to have fun." They are trying to keep the mood of the kids light.
But in a separate conversation with CNN, Usyk's manager Klimas emphasized the gravity of the situation: "They are in great danger. When the bullets start flying, the bullet doesn't care that you are the world champion. Goes through."