Zelenskyy Meets Boxing Champion Crawford

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with undefeated American boxer Terence Crawford, who has publicly supported Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The meeting focused on international solidarity, veteran sports and support for Ukraine’s efforts to defend its independence.

Crawford, a three-time undisputed world champion across three weight classes, holds a professional record of 42 wins, including 31 knockouts. Zelenskyy thanked him for using his public platform to draw attention to the war and support the Ukrainian people.

During the meeting, Igor Faniian of the Ukrainian Boxing League for Combat Veterans discussed programs that integrate veterans, including those with prosthetic limbs and wheelchair users, into boxing. Zelenskyy said veteran sports play an important role in rehabilitation and provide opportunities for former service members to remain active.

Crawford presented Zelenskyy with a three-and-a-half-month-old American pit bull terrier named Freyja, after a planned Ukrainian air defense system. The president also received a painting about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by American artist Andres Valencia and a personalized World Boxing Council championship belt symbolizing the boxing community’s solidarity with Ukraine.