Oleksandr Khyzhniak continued his perfect start to life as a professional on Saturday night.
The aptly nicknamed ‘Ukrainian Tank’ tore through previously unbeaten Frenchman Lenny Patrach (8-1-1) to improve to 2-0 on the Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Khyzhniak set a high-octane pace from the off, landing heavy artillery to head and body.
By the second round, the intensity was clearly getting to Patrach, who began to wilt under the unrelenting pressure.
Moments later, Patrach was decked by a sharp left hook to the temple as he attempted to open up.
He made his way back to his feet, but Khyzhniak was on him like a rash.
A blistering flurry of shots against the ropes sent the B-side fighter tumbling back down to the canvas, where the fight was immediately waved off.
Khyzhniak’s promoter and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Oleksandr Usyk was ringside for the bout, and could be seen barking instructions with prayer beads in hand.
When the finishing blows landed, he leapt to his feet in delight.
What did Oleksandr Khyzhniak achieve as an amateur?
Khyzhniak made his professional debut in March on a Usyk 17 Promotions card in Lesniki, Ukraine, stopping Colombian journeyman Wilmer Baron inside the opening stanza.
At 30 years old, he will need to be moved quickly, especially given his amateur credentials.
Khyzhniak picked up gold medals at the European Championships (twice), World Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
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Among his many notable wins in the unpaid ranks is a pair of victories over British standout Ben Whittaker in 2017.
While his relentless pressure fighting proved too much for most elite amateurs during a 129-17 tenure, he has shown signs of vulnerability.
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics final, Khyzhniak suffered a heavy knockout loss to Hebert Conceicao Sousa.
Although he is an excellent combination puncher, there are still questions surrounding his defence as he embarks on his pro career.
Only time will tell how far he can go, but it will no doubt be an exciting journey.
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