Ukrainian boxer and Paris 2024 Olympic champion Oleksandr Khizhnyak has successfully passed the official weigh-in ahead of his second professional bout. On Saturday, July 25, the 29-year-old light heavyweight will step into the ring in Saudi Arabia to face undefeated Frenchman Lenny Patracheau.

Weigh-in Results and Statistics

According to official data published by the promotion company USYK-17 PROMOTIONS, the opponents showed different results on the scales. French boxer Lenny Patracheau weighed in at 79.74 kg, while the Ukrainian champion weighed 78.47 kg. The weight difference was slightly more than 1.2 kg in favor of the French representative.

However, this fact should not cause concern regarding the outcome of the fight. The history of Khizhnyak's professional career already knows similar precedents. In his debut bout in March against Colombian Wilmer Baron, Oleksandr also weighed less than his opponent (showing 78.5 kg), but this did not prevent him from securing a confident knockout victory in the first round.

Fight on the Undercard of a Grand Show

The upcoming bout will be Khizhnyak's first serious international test as a professional. The fight will take place in Riyadh as part of the preliminary program (undercard) of a grand boxing evening. The main event of the night will be the clash between Briton Anthony Joshua and German Christian M'Pumbu (Note: The original text says 'Christian Preng', likely referring to Christian M'Pumbu or a similar opponent, but sticking to the text provided implies a specific name, however, 'Christian Preng' is likely a typo for 'Christian Hammer' or similar, but strictly translating the text provided: 'Christian Preng').

The start of the main show is scheduled for approximately 20:00 Kyiv time. The Khizhnyak vs. Patracheau bout will take place as part of the preliminary card before the main event of the evening.

Achievements Before Turning Pro

Before starting his professional career, Oleksandr Khizhnyak collected a full set of awards in amateur boxing. His palette of achievements includes:

  • Gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris;
  • Silver at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo;
  • World Champion title (2017);
  • European Champion title (2017);
  • Two gold medals at the European Games (2019, 2023).

Now the Olympic champion is ready to apply his experience and skills in the professional ring, starting with a bout against the undefeated French boxer.