Anthony Joshua Visits Kyiv with Usyk — Former Rivals Unite in Ukraine

• Anthony Joshua travels to Kyiv for the first time, with Oleksandr Usyk meeting him at the airport and giving him a personal tour of the Ukrainian capital
• The former heavyweight rivals attended Usyk 17 Promotions' Rising Stars card at Equides Club, headlined by Daniel Lapin and featuring Oleksandr Khyzhniak's pro debut
• Joshua's visit comes as both men prepare for massive 2026 campaigns — Usyk faces Rico Verhoeven in May, while Joshua eyes a June or July return with Tyson Fury on the horizon

Joshua Touches Down in Ukraine for the First Time

Right then, this is one of those moments that reminds you why boxing is the greatest sport in the world. Anthony Joshua — a man who fought Oleksandr Usyk twice for the heavyweight championship of the world, losing both times — has just flown to Kyiv to visit the man who beat him. And Usyk met him at the airport like a brother. Joshua shared the moment on social media, declaring it was his first time in Ukraine. Usyk posted footage of their reunion and said he was already planning a tour around the city, excited to show Joshua his favourite spots. Think about that for a second. These two men went to war in Saudi Arabia, traded punches in front of 80,000 people, and now Usyk is playing tour guide around Kyiv. That's proper respect. That's what this sport is about when you strip away the trash talk and the money.

Rising Stars — Usyk the Promoter

Joshua wasn't just there for a holiday. The pair attended the Rising Stars card at Equides Club in Lisnyky, promoted by Usyk 17 Promotions. Usyk is building something special in Ukraine — developing young fighters, giving them a platform on DAZN and Prime Video, and bringing international attention to Ukrainian boxing. The headline act was Daniel Lapin defending his WBO International, WBA Continental, and IBF Intercontinental light-heavyweight titles against Kristaps Bulmeistars. Lapin is 12-0 and fighting in Kyiv for the first time in over four years. But the real buzz was around Olympic gold medallist Oleksandr Khyzhniak making his professional debut. Khyzhniak is one of the most decorated amateur boxers in the world and Usyk is bringing him through properly. Having Joshua ringside for all of this sends a message. It tells every young Ukrainian fighter on that card that the biggest names in the sport are watching. It tells the world that Usyk 17 Promotions is serious. And it tells us that the bond between Joshua and Usyk goes deeper than most boxing rivalries.

What This Means for Both Men's 2026 Campaigns

Make no mistake, this Joshua visit to Kyiv isn't just a social call. Both men have huge fights coming. Usyk defends his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in May. Joshua is working his way back to full fitness after his car accident in Nigeria and is targeting a June or July return, with the Tyson Fury mega-fight the ultimate goal for late 2026. There's a theory in boxing that former rivals who become friends are the ones who truly tested each other. Joshua pushed Usyk harder than most, especially in that first fight in Tottenham. Usyk showed Joshua what levels look like at heavyweight. The mutual respect is genuine and earned over 24 rounds of championship boxing.

The Bigger Picture for Ukrainian Boxing

Let's not ignore the context here. Ukraine has been through hell. Usyk has been one of the country's most visible global ambassadors throughout the war, and now he's actively building a boxing infrastructure through Usyk 17 Promotions. Bringing Joshua to Kyiv — one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet — is brilliant for Ukrainian boxing and for the fighters on his roster. If you know, you know. This story isn't just about two heavyweights hanging out. It's about respect, legacy, and the future of the sport. Usyk is building something in Ukraine. Joshua being there, ringside, supporting it? That's class from both men.