Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk, Ukraine’s biggest export, has been consistently the source of his nation’s pride ever since his Olympic gold for the country in 2012. Even today, as Ukraine battles a harrowing onslaught of Russian forces, the two-division undisputed champion has been at his country’s service. Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Oleksandr Usyk has done his part in helping his compatriots. Usyk was in London when the full-fledged war broke out in Ukraine. He was planning to return home in early February 2022 but his flight was canceled like all the other flights over Ukraine. Yet the unified heavyweight champion never doubted his willingness to help during the emergency.

Just a couple of days after his return, Usyk launched initiatives to provide critical support to his homeland through the Usyk Foundation. His efforts underscore how athletes can leverage their fame to make a difference in times of crisis.

What Does the Usyk Foundation Do?

The Usyk Foundation, established by Oleksandr Usyk, focuses on delivering humanitarian aid to war-torn Ukraine. It prioritizes providing charity auctions, ambulances, cars for the armed forces of Ukraine, essentials such as medical supplies, and temporary housing for displaced families. Collaborating with local and international organizations, the foundation works tirelessly to bridge the gap between dire needs and limited resources.

According to the foundation’s official website, one of its core missions is to uplift the morale and resilience of Ukrainians facing unprecedented challenges. In addition to direct aid, the foundation has initiated projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and ensuring access to basic education for children affected by the war.

How Much Has Oleksandr Usyk Donated to Ukraine?

Oleksandr Usyk has backed his advocacy with significant personal contributions. Reports suggest he has donated 8 million hryvnias to rebuild an apartment building where his deceased friend, children’s boxing coach Oleksii Dzhunkivskyi used to train. He did that because he was driven by the motivation to bring young athletes back to this gym.

Apart from that, Oleksandr Usyk has also donated $50,000 towards generators during the blackouts in December for the Ukrainian hospitals and recorded a touching message from Kyiv with football legend Andrii Shevchenko and astronaut Scott Kelly, encouraging as many people around the world as possible to donate. Based on their website, the Usyk Foundation has raised a sum of more than $740,000 so far. He later also became an ambassador for the “United24” initiative, amplifying fundraising campaigns aimed at rebuilding Ukraine.

One notable example is his involvement in a global campaign to raise funds for advanced medical equipment and other critical needs. His partnership with United24—a platform initiated by the Ukrainian government—highlights his commitment to making a sustainable impact. By combining his resources with his global reach, Usyk inspires fans worldwide to contribute to these initiatives.

In October 2024, 741,750.18 UAH was raised at a charity auction at the national beauty contest “MRS. BEAUTY OF UKRAINE 2024”. Their November 2024 report suggests that more than €188.73 and $3.42 were raised through PayPal. Meanwhile, UAH 86,663.12 and $40,000.00 were raised through bank accounts and 270.00 USDT was raised through cryptocurrency. UAH 864,300.00 had to be allocated for the booking of airline tickets and visa processing for the group of military personnel traveling to the Usyk-Fury 2 fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In late 2023, Usyk launched a significant fundraising campaign that drew international attention. The campaign, conducted in parallel with his preparation for the highly anticipated match against Tyson Fury, aimed to rally boxing fans and humanitarians alike. Through auctions, merchandise sales, and charitable events, Usyk managed to secure substantial funds dedicated to emergency relief and long-term recovery projects in Ukraine.

A report from Daily Mail revealed that Usyk begins each day by checking whether new rockets have landed near his family’s home in Ukraine. This personal connection fuels his drive to ensure a safer and more stable future for his compatriots. His efforts remind the world that sports heroes can wield their influence far beyond the competitive arena.

Building Awareness Through the Boxing Community

Usyk’s boxing career serves as a powerful platform for advocacy. As he prepares for his fights, including his much-anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury, he uses press conferences and media appearances to bring attention to Ukraine’s plight. By intertwining his professional achievements with his philanthropic pursuits, Usyk inspires millions of fans to support his cause.

His foundation has also received substantial contributions from other athletes, brands, and sponsors who admire his dedication. This collaborative approach ensures a broader reach and maximizes the impact of the collected funds.

Oleksandr Usyk’s journey from boxing champion to humanitarian advocate illustrates the power of individual action in addressing global crises. Through his foundation and collaborations with organizations like United24, he provides essential support to those in need while uniting people worldwide in solidarity with Ukraine.

As Usyk continues his fight inside and outside the ring, the question remains: How can each of us contribute to creating a better world for those affected by conflict? Whether through donations, raising awareness, or simply showing empathy, every effort counts.