Oleksandr Usyk, along with British boxer Anthony Joshua, arrived in Kyiv, where they will be honored guests at a major boxing event. This occasion will be significant not only for Ukrainian fans but also for the world of boxing, as Olympic champion Oleksandr Khizhnyak will make his professional debut in the ring.
This is reported by Finway
Usyk Introduces Joshua to Kyiv and Its Traditions
The Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk announced his arrival in Kyiv with former opponent Anthony Joshua on his social media page on March 20. They plan to attend the Rising Stars tournament, which will take place in the Kyiv region. Usyk shared that he is already preparing a special program for his British guest, including showing him the most interesting places in Kyiv.
“I’m already planning a little tour of the city. I can’t wait to show him some of my favorite spots!”
According to Usyk, he will not only give a city tour but also introduce Joshua to Ukrainian culture and national dishes. This gesture highlights the friendship between the athletes after their bouts in the ring and promotes Ukrainian traditions within the global sports community.
Grand Boxing Night and Oleksandr Khizhnyak’s Debut
The main event of the evening, which will take place on March 21 in Lisnyky near Kyiv, will be the professional debut of Olympic champion Oleksandr Khizhnyak. At the weigh-in, Khizhnyak weighed in at 78.5 kg, while his opponent Wilmer Baron weighed 79.6 kg. The tournament will be held at the Equides Club hotel complex and will start at 5:30 PM.
The evening’s program also features several exciting bouts involving Ukrainian boxers, including Kira Makohonenkо, Pavlo Iliusha, Danylo Zhasan, Aider Abdurakhimov, Elvin Aliyev, Jamal Kuliyev, Dmytro Lovchynskyi, and Mykola Laktionov. A total of ten fights are planned. The presence of Usyk and Joshua at this event underscores its importance and makes it one of the most talked-about events in the spring boxing calendar.
Earlier, Oleksandr Usyk received a unique gift from Ukrainian soldiers — a sabre made from the remnants of a Russian missile and parts of an FPV drone. The weapon was crafted by blacksmith Denys Mostovych, and the gift was presented by the fighters of the “Vovkulaky” unit as a symbol of gratitude for supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.