Two of the biggest names in boxing’s glamour division have been exploring Ukrainian soil this week.
Oleksandr Usyk is preparing for the Rising Stars professional boxing night, hosted by Usyk17 Promotions, tonight.
Fellow Ukrainian talent, Daniel Lapin, is set to top the card as he takes on Kristaps Bulmeistars.
Despite the ongoing war in Kyiv, this weekend will mark the first Usyk17 show there since 2021.
In the days leading up to tonight’s action, Usyk was joined by his former two-time opponent, Anthony Joshua.
Usyk shared a clip of the pair reuniting earlier this week, during which Joshua said: “Ukraine! For the first time in my life.”
The reigning heavyweight king responded: “It’s good. I show you, I show you Kyiv.”
Usyk remained true to his word and has since taken the 36-year-old around the capital of his home country.
The pair paid their respects at a memorial dedicated to soldiers killed in the Russo-Ukrainian War in Kyiv’s Maidan Square.
Flags representing fallen fighters from multiple countries now line the square, a stark symbol of the ongoing conflict.
After reflecting on the current climate in Usyk’s homeland, they took in some of the other sites the war-torn capital has to offer.
Following his promotional duties in Kyiv, Usyk will turn his attention back to his upcoming bout against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
‘The Cat’ is returning to the ring on May 23 in Cairo, Egypt.
While his comeback is fast approaching, Usyk clarified on Instagram that he could not miss the event in Kyiv “even with training in full swing and my preparation for the May fight ramping up.”
You can find the exclusive Boxing King Media behind-the-scenes access to Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua’s time together below:
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
