Daniel Lapin Makes Weight in Kyiv for Light-Heavyweight Title Defence
Unbeaten boxer Daniel Lapin successfully made weight in Kyiv on Friday, setting the stage for his light-heavyweight title defence on Saturday night. The event is generating significant attention as a pivotal moment for Usyk17 Promotions, the company founded by heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Homecoming Fight in the Ukrainian Capital
The 12-0 fighter headlines the 'Rising Stars' event at the Equides Club in nearby Lisnyky, where he will face Latvia's Kristaps Bulmeistars. Lapin is putting his WBO International, WBA Continental, and IBF Intercontinental belts on the line in this high-stakes bout.
For Lapin, this fight carries profound personal significance beyond the titles. 'Fighting in Kyiv means everything to me,' he said. 'This is my home, the place that shaped who I am—not just as a boxer, but as a person.'
He added: '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.'
Usyk17 Promotions Relaunches with Domestic Focus
The event marks a major step in the relaunch of Usyk17 Promotions, which was originally established in 2020 but paused operations following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The promotion has now returned with a renewed focus on developing domestic talent and creating a pathway for future Ukrainian boxing stars.
Lapin is expected to play a central role in this project, viewing Saturday's fight as just the beginning. 'I see this as just the first step in developing this company here in Ukraine,' he explained. 'We're building something meaningful, and in the future, I believe you'll see us involved in bigger and bigger shows.'
He expressed confidence about the upcoming event: 'We're confident everything will come together, it's going to be a great night tomorrow night.'
Showcasing a New Generation of Ukrainian Fighters
The 'Rising Stars' card also features Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak making his professional debut, along with heavyweight Dmytro Lovchynskyi. This lineup underscores the promotion's commitment to showcasing a new generation of Ukrainian fighters on the international stage.
With Lapin front and centre, Saturday's event is being seen as both a homecoming for the local hero and a bold statement of intent for what could come next in Ukrainian boxing. The combination of title defences, debut appearances, and promotional relaunch makes this a landmark night for the sport in the region.
