Every day at 9 am, Ukrainians commemorate the people who lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine war. Today Sport.ua recalls that 21-year-old Thai boxing master Vladislav Vakulenko, a very positive person, had great potential in the ring, but with the beginning of a full-scale invasion he decided to defend Ukraine. The fighter died exactly three years ago, on December 30, 2022, while conducting a combat mission near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region.

Vladislav was born in Kiev and has been involved with sports since his childhood. Just six months before his tragic death, he received a diploma from the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine and dreamed of major competitions, medals and training future champions. In parallel with his studies, Vladislav trained in Muay Thai. The man hoped to return to training in the gym after the war.

Vladislav Vakulenko took up arms immediately after the Muscovites’ large-scale occupation of his territory. “We live with war! I understand that we live in a historical time when there are real brave comrades nearby, whose soul and body are eager for war… This is a time when you will remain a hero or die a hero,” he wrote on social networks.

His friends and coach remember Vlad as a man of light. He always smiled, joked, supported others, was a master of inspiration, did not make excuses, did not back down from difficulties. The friend wrote: “You’ve done more at this age than some have done in 50 or 60 years.” And Vlad’s mentor, Stanislav Voiten, recalls: “He did his best in training, gave his life in the fight against the invader. I am proud to have known him.”

President of Polesie Gennady Butkevich and striker of the Zhytomyr club Alexander UsikThe famous Ukrainian boxer is in Dubai to attend the 2025 World Sports Summit.

The forum will take place on 29-30 December at Madinat Jumeirah Arena. The event brought together representatives of the sports industry (presidents of clubs and federations, athletes, investors and experts) from more than 80 countries.

The summit program includes discussions on the development of the sports sector, the introduction of technology, the role of sports in society and international collaborations. More than 200 speakers and experts are attending the event.

Zhytomyr club reported that Polesie’s participation in the 2025 World Sports Summit is an important step to strengthen international ties.

View this post on Instagram

Broadcast of FC “Polissya” (Zhytomyr) (@fcpolissya)

Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usik He visited Riyadh, where he was the guest of honor at a boxing show organized by Turki Al-Sheikh. Ukrainian boxer met with Japanese Naoya Inoue. Usik and Inoue are currently top-ranked in The Ring’s most prestigious P4P rankings.

Alexander posted a photo with a Japanese man on Instagram and wrote: “Historical photo.”

On Saturday, December 27, a large-scale Ring V boxing night was held at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The main event of the show was the fight for the title of absolute world champion, where Japanese star Naoya Inoue and Mexican rival Alan David Picasso fought. The Japanese boxer managed to win a convincing victory – the fight went through all 12 rounds.

Check out this post on Instagram

Additions, expansions DAZN Boxing (@daznboxing)