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 takes place at Equides Club in Lisnyky and marks the return of Usyk17 Promotions after a pause in activity.
Going to Kyiv with @anthonyjoshua.
Already planning a little tour around the city. Excited to show some of my favorite spots!#BoxingLife #UsykJoshua pic.twitter.com/AbCzdoMqKR— Oleksandr Usyk (@usykaa) March 20, 2026
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. We’re building something meaningful, and in the future, I believe you’ll see us involved in bigger and bigger shows.”
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 and experience for a new group of fighters under one banner.
Usyk’s involvement runs across both sides. He remains active at the top level while putting his name behind shows that give younger fighters a route through the sport.
Joshua’s presence adds another layer, bringing a former opponent into that environment while the focus stays on the fighters coming through.
Read the full article here
