Ukrainian Athlete Slams Anthony Joshua Over Photo with Russian Fighter: What We Know About the Boxer’s Visit.

Vladyslav Heraskevych Reacts to Anthony Joshua’s Trip to Kyiv

According to Novyny.live: Vladyslav Heraskevych has publicly criticized Anthony Joshua’s recent visit to Kyiv, taking issue with a photo the British boxer posted featuring Russian UFC champion Islam Makhachev. Heraskevych called the move unacceptable, stating:

“Posting pictures with fighters linked to Kadyrov’s circle is not normal.”

Joshua arrived in Ukraine alongside Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. Their trip was tied to a boxing event organized by Usyk 17 Promotions. Joshua, who boasts 29 career wins—26 by knockout—and four losses, recently defeated Jake Paul by knockout in December. However, shortly after that victory, he was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two of his friends.

The Importance of Understanding Consequences

Heraskevych, who gained international attention after being disqualified from the 2026 Olympics for refusing to compete without a “memory helmet,” stressed the need to recognize the implications of associating with individuals closely connected to the Kadyrov regime. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) labeled Heraskevych’s actions as a political statement.

On a brighter note, Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh recently won the World Indoor Championships, offering a positive highlight for Ukrainian sports amid these tense international developments.

Joshua’s visit to Ukraine and his photo with Makhachev underscore the growing friction in international sports relations, particularly given the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the ties some athletes have to the Kadyrov regime. Heraskevych’s criticism highlights the need for athletes to be mindful of their public interactions in a world where sports and politics frequently intersect. Meanwhile, achievements by Ukrainian athletes like Mahuchikh showcase resilience and success despite these challenging international dynamics.