What to expect from Ukrainian boxers in 2023

2022 was extremely difficult for Ukrainians as a whole, and Ukrainian boxing suffered no less than other industries. The evenings, of course, were not organized, dozens of fighters went to the front, many boxers were left without fights.

Everything began to improve at the end of the year, when the heroic Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanks to incredible efforts, stopped the Russian onslaught. Vasyl Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk and Denys Berinchyk played their matches and established themselves in the future.

The year that has already come should be important and almost decisive for the majority of active Ukrainian fighters.

Vasyl Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs)

Lomachenko was supposed to box for all the titles of the lightweight division as early as 2022. But the meeting against George Kambosos broke up due to the start of the war. Vasyl returned to the ring at the end of the year. The meeting with Jemaine Ortiz turned out to be difficult, because the American prospect was definitely not going to give up. But Loma won.

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Now a match with Devin Haney is ahead. At least that's what the teams promise. Lomachenko's team, Haney's team, and Devin himself talk about such a match. Everyone is ready for the organization, and the youth of the lightweight category are not afraid of the Ukrainian boxer. They believe that he has lost his power and see how they can beat him.

Indeed, many, if not most experts are betting on Haney to win, and he, with his size and youth, has a real chance. It will be interesting to see if Vasyl will squeeze out his maximum skills for what is probably the most important match in his career.

Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs)

The rematch against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia turned into a huge show and an equally cool test for both athletes. The Briton really gave almost the best fight in his career. He collected himself physically and mentally, aimed to outbox or knock out the Ukrainian, but in any case to win.

It didn't work out either way. Alexander outboxed Joshua with a burst. It was incredibly difficult, he had to go through super difficult moments, but he managed.

There is only one - the most important challenge ahead. A fight after which he will either become one of the best heavyweights in history, or solidify himself as a skilled fighter who has not only reached incredible heights.

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A match against Tyson Fury at the negotiation stage. The fighters met face to face, promised to fight, but nothing has been signed yet. In general, everything looks as if the teams are really going to sign contracts.

Whether to believe anything that Fury says is an interesting question. Tyson often changes his mind due to moods, but now it seems that he is going to box after all. Because he is sad in retirement. And among the active fighters, there are not so many opponents worth facing.

There's Anthony Joshua, who didn't go well, and who definitely doesn't want to fight Fury right now. Unless later. There is Oleksandr Usyk, the fight against whom everyone is waiting. Because this is a historical event. And many bet on a quick victory of the British. And there is Joe Joyce, who is loved in the UK and wants a fight against Fury. Tyson can jump on him. But big money and big responsibility should outweigh everything.

Denys Berinchyk (17-0, 9 KOs)

Denys Berinchyk also had a good end to 2022. Denys beat Ivan Mendi, a fairly well-known opponent with the belt of the European champion according to the EBU version. After that, he signed a contract with Frank Warren's promotional company.

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It seems that in 2023 the Ukrainian will have big fights. Bob Arum has already talked about facing Shakur Stevenson. How real it is is not at all clear, because it was only a groping of options from the head of Top Rank. But Denys is clearly among the candidates for Shakur's first lightweight fight.

If not, even better. It will be possible to box several times against fighters who are close to the title. There are more than enough lightweight options. But any fight in Europe against a big name is great. And Warren, together with Krasyuk, will definitely give it to Berinchyk in 2023.

Artem Dalakyan (21-0, 15 KOs)

The champion did not box for the whole of 2022. Artem is 35 years old. Careers in his weight category often end earlier. But so far, the Ukrainian didn't look like it was time for retirement.

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On January 28, Dalakyan will hold a meeting against David Jimenez (12-0, 9 KOs). A difficult battle with very good prospects. Why? For the same reason as Berinchyk. There is a chance to get a contract with Frank Warren if he wins.

And then - only the way to big fights for all the titles. Now, in addition to the Ukrainian, there are two champions: Mexican Julio Cesar Martinez (19-2, 14 KOs) and Sunny Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs). Both options are extremely difficult. Both will be difficult to beat. With both, Warren could even arrange a next fight if Dalakyan beats Jimenez.

Other athletes:

Serhii Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) and Viktor Postol (31-4, 12 KOs) are in pre-retirement age. Most likely, they will finish their career based on the results of 2023. Maybe in two years. Serhiy returned with a victory over a middle-aged man, but you shouldn't count on titles now. And it is not a fact that there will be a chance. Postol lost to Gary Russell, the brother of Lomachenko's former rival. Early for the first time in his career.

Karen Chukhajian had a good match in the USA. But he attacked little and it is not worth counting on a quick invitation again. Because it is too complicated and will not bring money. But he will win at least once this year.

Taras Shelestyuk, more likely than not, everything will return. But it is not clear what prospects to count on. For the former Olympian, things are not going well even with potentially interesting companies. And there is almost no time to unwind.

Vladyslav Sirenko will return with a match against a strong middle peasant. He has arrangements in the USA, spends a lot of time there, trains with an American coach. Vlad spent last year without fights, but he will still have time to catch up.