LOS ANGELES — As the United States announces plans to send tanks to support Ukraine’s efforts against Russia, Ukrainian immigrants in Los Angeles are finding their own ways to defend their homeland.
One such activist’s battle, Serhii Bohachuk, wages his war in the ring.
The Ukrainian boxer is preparing to defend his WBC Continental America’s title against contender Nathanial Gallimore. But even returning to the United States, to continue his passion for boxing, was a battle on its own.
Bohachuk was visiting his family in Ukraine when the war broke out. His initial reaction was to join them in the frontlines and help defend his home country. But his family knew his calling was bigger and encouraged him to return to the United States to continue his victorious journey in boxing.
The super welterweight fighter, trained by the world renowned Manny Robles, has had 21 knockouts since he went pro in 2017.
Bohachuk and Gallimore will be the main event in a special evening of boxing entitled Hollywood Fight Nights, put on by 360 Promotions, and airing on UFC Fight Pass.
“I want to win this fight, for my country,” Bohachuk explained.
As for his strategy?
“That’s a secret. You will see it in the ring.”
One thing’s for sure, his fight continues to be fueled by his passion for his loved ones.
As his family risks their lives everyday on the frontlines, Bohachuk said the war in Ukraine has become all the more brutal.
“This is a genocide against Ukrainians, not war,” he said. “It’s not normal, it’s crazy.”
Bohachuk will use his winnings to send resources back home.
The Ukrainian boxer is represented by promoter Tom Loeffler of 360 promotions.
“It’s an honor to represent a warrior like Serhii Bohachuk,” Loeffler explained.
It’s not Loeffler’s first time working with Ukrainian champions. The promoter once represented the Klitschko brothers, and Vitaliy Klitschko took his battle experience in the ring to another level. He now serves as the Mayor of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Loeffler said having athletic heros, at a time like this, gives people hope.
“To have somebody representing their country, on a world class level, in a sport like boxing, that gives them some motivation, someone to cheer for,” Loeffler explained.
It has certainly given Bohachuk something to fight for, at a much higher level.
After his match, he will purchase warm clothes and uniforms to send back home.
“Fighting now, here, in the USA, I can make money, and help my people,” he said.