Usyk was born in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 but which remains largely internationally recognised as part of Ukraine, and delivered his video message posted on Instagram from the city of Yevpatoria on the peninsula, where he said "we are waiting for the Armed Forces of Ukraine".

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year, with Usyk serving in Kyiv as a defence volunteer in the early weeks of the conflict.

He underlined his support for Ukraine his New Year message.

"I want to congratulate everyone on the New Year," he said, as reported by Ukrainian publication Sport.ua.

"I want to wish only one thing - what I want, and what all Ukrainians want.

"We want victory, we want peace, we want silence in our homes.

"We want every Ukrainian who left because of the war to return."

Referencing the colours of the Ukrainian flag, he added: "Power has colour.

"And it's a yellow-blue colour."

Usyk retained his World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles in the heavyweight division with a split decision victory against Britain's London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua.

He is expected to face another Briton in the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury in 2023 in an undisputed championship fight.

Usyk, due to turn 36 later this month, was the men's heavyweight gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympics.

He has previously held the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO cruiserweight world titles.