Usyk confirmed the trip and his plans in the city.
“Going to Kyiv with Anthony Joshua. Already planning a little tour around the city. Excited to show some of my favorite spots!”
The visit lines up with Saturday’s “Rising Stars” show, headlined by Daniel Lapin (12-0), who defends his WBO International, WBA Continental and IBF Intercontinental light-heavyweight belts against Kristaps Bulmeistars. The card will be live at 12 pm ET on Prime Video. The event takes place at Equides Club in Lisnyky and marks the return of Usyk17 Promotions after a pause in activity.
Lapin made weight on Friday and spoke about the importance of fighting at home.
“Fighting in Kyiv means everything to me. This is my home, the place that shaped who I am, not just as a boxer, but as a person.”
He has not fought in the city for more than four years.
“I haven’t had the chance to step into the ring here for over four years, so coming back now feels incredibly powerful. To perform in front of my people again, in my city, is something truly special.”
The show forms part of Usyk’s plan to build a structure for fighters coming through in Ukraine. Lapin is expected to play a central role in that setup.
‘I see this as just the first step in developing this company here in Ukraine,’ he said. ‘We’re building something meaningful, and in the future, I believe you’ll see us involved in bigger and bigger shows,’ he told Mail Online
The card also features Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak making his professional debut, along with heavyweight Dmytro Lovchynskyi. It is a clear attempt to build rounds, get fights under their belt, and develop through proper opposition
Usyk is building his own promotional lane while still active at heavyweight, giving him influence over how his fighters are matched and developed.
Joshua’s presence brings added attention, with a former rival on site while the card remains built around developing fighters.
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