Latest news with #Kestrel
Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Oleksandr Usyk starts boxing heavyweight title week with focus on war in Ukraine
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Oleksandr Usyk on July 14 during the presentation of piece of art destroyed during the war between Ukraine and Russia. – World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk kicked off the big fight build-up in London on July 14 with a focus on war in his native Ukraine rather than anything he might face in the ring. The unbeaten 38-year-old Ukrainian boxer will face Britain's Daniel Dubois, who holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) championship, at Wembley Stadium on July 19. This rematch will determine the undisputed heavyweight champion, with the Ukrainian's World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) titles also at stake. Usyk's first public appearance was in the city's Trafalgar Square to unveil a recreated Ukrainian 'Kestrel' mosaic alongside British entrepreneur Richard Branson. The original artwork, created in the now-Russian controlled port city of Mariupol in 1967, was severely damaged during the invasion that started in February 2022 and an identical copy has been funded by online retailer Rozetka and the Ukraine-wow agency. Organisers say it will tour internationally as a symbol of repair and hope. 'Russia destroyed in my city, in my country, Russia destroyed hospitals, Russia destroyed schools, Russia destroyed Ukrainian lives,' Usyk told the crowd, thanking Britain for its support for Ukraine. 'But we will survive. We will rebuild our country, like a mosaic, piece by piece.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling: White House World Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it? Singapore 5 foreigners charged over scheme to deliberately get arrested in S'pore to sell sex drugs here Asia Appointment of Malaysia's new chief justice eases controversy over vacant top judge seats for now Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore Singapore SPCA appoints Walter Leong as new executive director World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business Granddaughter of late Indonesian tycoon pays $25 million for Singapore bungalow The boxer then walked, surrounded by bodyguards and a scrum of fans, to nearby Pall Mall for photographs in front of a statue of 19th century nurse Florence Nightingale and the 1853-56 Crimean War memorial. The Nightingale statue was holding a prosthetic limb, painted in the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine, over her usual oil lamp. Branson, who stood alongside Usyk, is a backer of the Superhumans centre specialist clinic in Lviv that treats and rehabilitates war victims. Usyk, who was born in the Crimean city of Simferopol that was annexed by Russia in 2014, also launched a campaign through his foundation to raise funds to build four apartment buildings and house 64 displaced families in Ukraine. The boxer spends time in Ukraine when not training in Spain and frequently references the situation in his country, campaigning for peace. In June, he invited US President Donald Trump to live in his house in Ukraine for a week to help him understand what the country was going through. 'Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night,' he told the BBC. 'Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rocket. Every night. It's enough.' Usyk and Dubois will have open workouts on July 16, a final face-to-face press conference at Wembley on July 17 and the public weigh-in on July 18. The fight, made by Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season, is live on DAZN worldwide. Meanwhile, the trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on July 11 was not only a win for the sport but could ultimately prove to be a game-changing moment for women's boxing. The highest-profile rivalry in women's boxing, one fuelled by mutual respect and fierce competition, has transcended the sport since they first met in April 2022 and perhaps helped take women at least a step closer to equal footing with men in the sport. Taylor swept the trilogy via majority decision on July 11 at New York's Madison Square Garden to retain her undisputed super lightweight championship. After the bout, Taylor's long-time promoter Eddie Hearn said: 'What they did tonight was give so many opportunities to so many great female fighters and big paydays and big opportunities.' REUTERS
Metro
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Ukrainian champ Oleksandr Usyk warns Russia is trying to 'erase our existence'
Oleksandr Usyk warned that Russia is attempting to 'erase our existence' as the Ukrainian superstar helped to unveil a symbol of his country's freedom in Trafalgar Square. The world heavyweight boxing champion also expressed his belief that 'we will survive, we will win' at the first public engagement of his week in London ahead of his fight with Daniel Dubois. He joined Sir Richard Branson and British MPs, Ukrainian diplomats and cultural figures to unveil the giant 'Kestrel' mosaic— a meticulously recreated version of the 1967 original which was severely damaged with its fate unknown in Russian-occupied Mariupol. 'I'm deeply grateful to the British people for their unwavering support of Ukraine,' Usyk said. 'In our darkest moments, you were among the first to step up, and you've remained a steadfast ally. 'Russia is deliberately stealing Ukrainian culture and destroying what it cannot take – all in an attempt to erase our existence as a nation. 'But beyond that, Russia is destroying the lives of Ukrainians, many of whom have lived for years without a sense of home. 'These lives are what we want to rebuild – like a mosaic, piece by piece.' Usyk, 38, is due to take on the British challenger at Wembley as the title goes on the line in the wake of his two victories over Tyson Fury last year. But the Ukrainian had another fight on his mind, his country's life-or-death struggle for survival against Vladimir Putin's aggression, as he appeared in Trafalgar Square to launch the image of a kestrel in flight. Usyk is also raising funds to allow 64 Ukrainian families who lost their homes in the war to have a roof over their heads once more. The original 'Kestrel' mosaic (Boryviter in Ukrainian) was created in 1967 by a team in Mariupol led by Ukrainian artist Alla Horska. Three years later, Horska is widely believed to have been murdered by Soviet security forces. In 2022, the symbol of creative freedom was severely damaged during the Russian full-scale invasion. Yaroslava Gres, co-founder of UKRAINE WOW, said: 'We don't know the current state of Boryviter in Mariupol — the mosaic is hidden within a building surrounded by a construction fence. But today, the Kestrel is starting its journey in the heart of London.' Vladyslav Chechotkin, co-founder of online marketplace ROZETKA, said: 'We believe that the Kestrel will amaze, inspire, and give hope that everything lost can be restored.' 'Russia destroys Ukrainian culture,' he said. 'Russia destroys our homes, hospitals, schools. 'Russia destroys our lives. 'But we will survive. We will win. 'We will rebuild our country…Today, we raise money to help 64 families to have a home again. Join us.' The exact replica was first unveiled in Kyiv, with London being the first capital in the UK and Europe to host it on an international tour. The symbol of Ukrainian identity has been recreated with support from the country's largest online marketplace ROZETKA, public organisation Ukraine WOW and the Alla Horska and Victor Zaretsky Foundation, which continues the legacy of the two artists. Sir Richard Branson said: 'Ukraine's fight is not just for its own future, but for the ideals of freedom and democracy everywhere. 'Since Russia's invasion, the Ukrainian people have paid a terrible price. They've sacrificed their limbs, homes, and lives. 'Putin's war must end, and on terms acceptable to Ukraine. Until that day comes, we all have a role to play in rebuilding what has been destroyed. 'It's easy, from a distance, to feel fatigue or helplessness. 'But we cannot look away. Freedom is never free, and Ukraine is paying the cost on all our behalf. Let's keep standing together for Ukraine.' The champion's own Oleksandr Usyk Foundation and the British-Ukrainian Aid charity, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, British MPs and the Mayor of London also supported the event. After the unveiling yesterday, Usyk and Branson visited Waterloo Place a short walk away in Westminster to reveal a reimagined statue of Florence Nightingale, featuring a prosthetic limb in place of her iconic lamp — symbolizing the resilience of Ukrainian defenders. The launch marked the beginning of the Ukraine: Defending Freedom campaign in partnership with Ukraine's Superhumans Center, which allows veterans and civilians to overcome physical injuries. Usyk was also filmed looking around and asking, 'where's Daniel?' on the tour. His diary in the UK concludes with the blockbuster rematch with Dubois on Saturday as they fight for the undisputed heavyweight title. More Trending Along with the brutal military aggression against the Ukrainian people, Russia has been involved in a 'systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian cultural and national identity', according to the British government. This has included forced deportations and the attempted indoctrination of children, a strategy that goes back to Putin's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has said. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Joseph Parker drops huge Tyson Fury return hint and reacts to Usyk vs Dubois decision MORE: 'Fearless' Ukrainian footballer who stayed behind to save residents is honoured by wife MORE: Athlete fighting for Ukraine says he uses 'sports mindset' against Russia
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Boxing-Usyk starts heavyweight title week with focus on war in Ukraine
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Boxing - Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk Launches a Fundraiser for the rebuilding of apartment buildings in Ukraine - Trafalgar Square, London, Britain - July 14, 2025 Oleksandr Usyk during the presentation of piece of art destroyed during the war between Ukraine and Russia, reconstructed by Ukrainian business ROZETKA, originally created by artist Alla Horska, as he is launching a fundraiser for the rebuilding of apartment buildings in Ukraine Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley LONDON - World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk kicked off the big fight build-up in London on Monday with a focus on war in his native Ukraine rather than anything he might face in the ring. The unbeaten 38-year-old takes on Britain's IBF champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in a rematch for the undisputed title that puts the Ukrainian's own WBC, WBA and WBO belts on the line. Usyk's first public appearance was in the city's central Trafalgar Square to unveil a recreated Ukrainian 'Kestrel' mosaic alongside British entrepreneur Richard Branson. The original artwork, created in the now-Russian controlled port city of Mariupol in 1967, was severely damaged during the invasion that started in February 2022 and an identical copy has been funded by online retailer Rozetka and the Ukraine-wow agency. Organisers say it will tour internationally as a symbol of repair and hope. "Russia destroyed in my city, in my country, Russia destroyed hospitals, Russia destroyed schools, Russia destroyed Ukrainian lives," Usyk told the crowd, thanking Britain for its support for Ukraine. "But we will survive. We will rebuild our country, like a mosaic, piece by piece." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Medical practitioners to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes: MOH, HSA Singapore Man allegedly attacks woman with knife at Kallang Wave Mall, to be charged with attempted murder Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat The boxer then walked, surrounded by bodyguards and a scrum of fans, to nearby Pall Mall for photographs in front of a statue of 19th century nurse Florence Nightingale and the 1853-56 Crimean War memorial. The Nightingale statue was holding a prosthetic limb, painted in the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine, over her usual oil lamp. Branson, who stood alongside Usyk, is a backer of the Superhumans centre specialist clinic in Lviv that treats and rehabilitates war victims. Usyk, who was born in the Crimean city of Simferopol that was annexed by Russia in 2014, also launched a campaign through his foundation to raise funds to build four apartment buildings and house 64 displaced families in Ukraine. The boxer spends time in Ukraine when not training in Spain and frequently references the situation in his country, campaigning for peace. Last month he invited U.S. President Donald Trump to live in his house in Ukraine for a week to help him understand what the country was going through. "Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night," he told the BBC. "Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rocket. Every night. It's enough." Usyk and Dubois will have open workouts on Wednesday, a final face-to-face press conference at Wembley on Thursday and the public weigh-in on Friday. The fight, made by Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season, is live on DAZN worldwide. REUTERS
The Star
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Boxing-Usyk starts heavyweight title week with focus on war in Ukraine
Boxing - Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk Launches a Fundraiser for the rebuilding of apartment buildings in Ukraine - Trafalgar Square, London, Britain - July 14, 2025 Oleksandr Usyk during the presentation of piece of art destroyed during the war between Ukraine and Russia, reconstructed by Ukrainian business ROZETKA, originally created by artist Alla Horska, as he is launching a fundraiser for the rebuilding of apartment buildings in Ukraine Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley LONDON (Reuters) -World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk kicked off the big fight build-up in London on Monday with a focus on war in his native Ukraine rather than anything he might face in the ring. The unbeaten 38-year-old takes on Britain's IBF champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in a rematch for the undisputed title that puts the Ukrainian's own WBC, WBA and WBO belts on the line. Usyk's first public appearance was in the city's central Trafalgar Square to unveil a recreated Ukrainian 'Kestrel' mosaic alongside British entrepreneur Richard Branson. The original artwork, created in the now-Russian controlled port city of Mariupol in 1967, was severely damaged during the invasion that started in February 2022 and an identical copy has been funded by online retailer Rozetka and the Ukraine-wow agency. Organisers say it will tour internationally as a symbol of repair and hope. "Russia destroyed in my city, in my country, Russia destroyed hospitals, Russia destroyed schools, Russia destroyed Ukrainian lives," Usyk told the crowd, thanking Britain for its support for Ukraine. "But we will survive. We will rebuild our country, like a mosaic, piece by piece." The boxer then walked, surrounded by bodyguards and a scrum of fans, to nearby Pall Mall for photographs in front of a statue of 19th century nurse Florence Nightingale and the 1853-56 Crimean War memorial. The Nightingale statue was holding a prosthetic limb, painted in the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine, over her usual oil lamp. Branson, who stood alongside Usyk, is a backer of the Superhumans centre specialist clinic in Lviv that treats and rehabilitates war victims. Usyk, who was born in the Crimean city of Simferopol that was annexed by Russia in 2014, also launched a campaign through his foundation to raise funds to build four apartment buildings and house 64 displaced families in Ukraine. The boxer spends time in Ukraine when not training in Spain and frequently references the situation in his country, campaigning for peace. Last month he invited U.S. President Donald Trump to live in his house in Ukraine for a week to help him understand what the country was going through. "Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night," he told the BBC. "Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rocket. Every night. It's enough." Usyk and Dubois will have open workouts on Wednesday, a final face-to-face press conference at Wembley on Thursday and the public weigh-in on Friday. The fight, made by Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season, is live on DAZN worldwide. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Christian Radnedge)
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vollinger Farm in Northampton permanently conserved with first-of-its-kind federal funding
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – One of Northampton's largest remaining unprotected farms has been permanently conserved, thanks to a groundbreaking approach to federal conservation funding. Mass. officials support local farms during National Dairy Month Kestrel Land Trust announced the preservation of 122 acres of the 217-acre Vollinger Farm, ensuring the land remains dedicated to agriculture and wildlife habitat. Located on North Farms Road, the property faces a higher risk of development than farmland in the floodplains of the Connecticut River. Recognizing its ecological and agricultural importance, landowner Robert 'Bob' Vollinger partnered with Kestrel Land Trust for more than five years to make conservation a reality. 'This complex process to become qualified for and hold an Agricultural Land Easement required a steep learning curve for everyone involved,' said Mark Wamsley, Kestrel's Conservation Director. The project marks the first time Kestrel has held a federally funded easement, made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Kestrel participated in the program with The Nature Conservancy and other partners to access funding under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program's Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) component. 'ACEP-ALE aims to protect the long-term viability of the nation's food supply by preventing the conversion of productive farmland to non-agricultural uses,' said Rita Thibodeau, NRCS Massachusetts Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. 'The program supports preserving high-quality agricultural soils, maintaining the integrity of working farms, and ensuring that land remains in private ownership while under conservation protection.' While Massachusetts commonly uses the state's Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program to conserve farmland, the Vollinger Farm project used a different path. The RCPP version of ALE promotes innovation, enabling conservation of both farmland and critical wildlife habitat—a dual purpose well-suited to the mix of open fields and woodlands on the property. In total, the RCPP contributed $749,500 in federal funding. Mass Audubon's Catalyst Fund added $100,000 to the project. Another 80 acres of the farm are currently protected under the state's Farm Viability Program, which funded barn renovations for Vollinger. Vollinger Farm, which has been in the family for three generations, sits next to the Broad Brook–Fitzgerald Lake Greenway, the largest conservation area in Northampton. The farm once focused on dairy but has evolved under Bob Vollinger's stewardship to produce hay, raise beef cows, and grow seasonal crops like squash, mums, and Christmas trees. 'Conserving the farm was always my goal,' Vollinger said. 'Now it will also help me plan for the future and contribute to my retirement. I'm looking forward to spending more time on the farm and being out on the land in the coming years.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
