Usyk and Joshua Arrive in Kyiv
Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has brought his former rival, Anthony Joshua, to Kyiv. The pair plan to attend the Rising Stars boxing tournament, which will feature the professional debut of Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak. The event is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at the Equides Club hotel complex near Kyiv, with the show set to begin at 5:30 PM. In his debut bout, Oleksandr Khyzhniak will face Colombian boxer Wilmer Barón.
A Champion's Return and a Newcomer's Start
Oleksandr Usyk, the 39-year-old reigning WBA, WBC, IBF, and IBO world heavyweight champion, commented on his trip to the Ukrainian capital:
“I’m traveling to Kyiv with Anthony Joshua. I’m already planning a small city tour. I’m looking forward to showing him some of my favorite spots!” - Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Khyzhniak, known by the nickname 'The Poltava Tank,' was born and lives in Poltava and is trained by his father, Oleksandr Khyzhniak Sr. In 2024 in Paris, Khyzhniak became the fourth Ukrainian boxer to win an Olympic gold medal. It's worth noting that the last time Ukrainians won Olympic boxing gold was in 2012, when Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk triumphed. His professional debut is a highly anticipated event in the Ukrainian sports scene.
Beyond attending the tournament, Oleksandr Usyk also intends to stage a farewell fight against Britain's Tyson Fury. He had previously announced a bout with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. Usyk has secured 24 professional victories, 15 of them by knockout, since his professional debut in November 2013. This visit underscores the global appeal of Ukrainian boxing, drawing major international stars to the country.
This gathering not only highlights the significance of Ukrainian boxing on the world stage but also demonstrates the friendly relationship between Usyk and Joshua, despite their past competition. The Rising Stars tournament represents a crucial step for young boxers like Oleksandr Khyzhniak, who aims to continue the legacy of successful Ukrainian champions. It is also likely to boost interest in the sport within Ukraine, particularly in the context of preparing for future international competitions.
As Usyk prepares for this exciting event, his future plans are also taking shape. After his anticipated farewell fight, he aims to focus on public service and potential matchups, including a showdown with Deontay Wilder. To learn more about Usyk's career trajectory and his vision beyond the ring, check out our detailed analysis of his upcoming challenges.