Oleksandr Usyk reveals Anthony Joshua called Wladimir Klitschko to ask how he could help and offer support amid Ukraine war

Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that Anthony Joshua reached out to Wladimir Klitschko and offered support amid Ukraine's war with Russia.

A year ago, Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion which began the ongoing conflict which still rages to this day.

At the time, Joshua had not long been dethroned of his heavyweight world titles by Usyk.

The Brit had activated his rematch clause to force a second fight with the Ukrainian, but this was thrown into jeopardy as the new champion enlisted in the Kyiv territorial defence.

Eventually, the rematch took place and Usyk emerged victorious for his country.

While Joshua caused controversy with his post-fight rant, he did also join with Usyk in lifting the Ukrainian flag in the ring.

The champion told : "Anthony Joshua called Wladimir Klitschko and asked him how he could be useful to Ukraine and help.

"I have double respect for him for that."

Joshua and Klitschko remain great friends following their fight in 2017.

AJ knocked out the legendary champion in his final fight six years ago and the pair have remained in contact ever since.

Klitschko told The National in early 2020: “Joshua is a superior athlete, great fighter, Olympic champion.

“Most importantly, he’s a great guy, who carries the torch of this image of a heavyweight champion perfectly.

“I’m proud to call him as a friend, even though we were [combatants].”