Olympic Gold Medalist Khyzhniak Stuns Opponent with First-Round Knockout in Pro Debut.

Oleksandr Khyzhniak's Professional Boxing Debut

According to Novyny.live: Oleksandr Khyzhniak, the Olympic champion from Paris 2024 and silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, made a spectacular entrance into professional boxing by defeating Wilmer Baron via technical knockout in the very first round. The bout took place at the Equides Club arena in Lisnyky, marking Khyzhniak's first fight in the super middleweight division (up to 76.2 kg).

Khyzhniak's opponent, Wilmer Baron, entered the ring with a record of 8 wins, 14 losses, and 1 draw. However, the debut match ended swiftly: Khyzhniak secured a technical knockout victory, launching his professional career with a 1-0 record, including 1 KO. Notably, Khyzhniak is not only an Olympic champion but also a winner of world and European championships, which he claimed in 2017. He also triumphed at the European Games in 2019 and 2023.

Oleksandr Khyzhniak's Background

Khyzhniak boasts an impressive amateur record, with 126 wins—26 of which came by knockout—and 17 losses. His debut was part of the Usyk 17 Promotion boxing event, which featured several other fighters. For example:

• Dmytro Lovchynsky knocked out Sinan Kiziltas in the first round;
• Kira Makohonenko defeated Polina Dovhynka by points;
• Mykola Laktionov secured an early victory over Andrii Sandzhura in the third round;
• Aider Abduraimov finished his fight against Pavlo Pavlov by technical knockout in the third round;
• Jamal Kuliev knocked out Burak Akkus in the first round;
• Daniil Zhasan defeated Mykola Trofymenko by technical knockout in the second round;
• Elvin Aliev won against Victor Julio after his opponent retired in the second round;
• Pavlo Illiusha knocked out Ivan Levytsky in the second round.

Khyzhniak's foray into professional boxing marks a significant milestone in his career, one that promises to be both successful and captivating for boxing enthusiasts.

This fight underscores Khyzhniak's potential as a professional, given his achievements in amateur boxing. An impressive start on the professional stage could draw attention to his future performances, especially considering his status as an Olympic champion.