Oleksandr Usyk team director names the next Ukrainian prospect to become a world champion

Ukraine is at the top of the boxing world right now following Oleksandr Usyk's knockout win over Daniel Dubois last month.

The fatal fifth round blow saw Usyk become a two-time undisputed champion at heavyweight and cemented his legacy as a pound-for-pound great.

Ukraine as a country is no stranger to producing top level fighters who go on to become world champions. Vasiliy Lomachenko, brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko are just some of those who have gone on to claim world title belts in the sweet science. 

When it comes to the future,Sergey Lapin, the director of Team Usyk, believes light heavyweight Daniel Lapin will be the next Ukrainian fighter destined for greatness. 

"Daniel is going through serious tests right now and that’s great for his development," Lapin told Plejmo. 

"His last fight at Wembley was a real challenge: the opponent was tricky and had an unusual style. After the fight, Daniel told me he wants a rematch, so the motivation is there.

"We know exactly where we’re headed. The path isn’t supposed to be easy, it’s a championship path. Daniel has everything it takes to become a world champion: physicality, skill, and character. His next fight is already planned for the fall, in the UK."

Lapin is undefeated in his 12 fights as a professional with four of those wins coming by way of knockout. 

The 28-year-old often appears on Usyk undercards and he last fought at Wembley Stadium on the undercard of Usyk's win over Dubois. 

That night he faced Lewis Edmonson and went the full 10-round distance with the British fighter before being declared the winner by majority decision. 

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