Oleksandr Khyzhniak VS Durval Elias Palacio
Venue: Lviv, UkrainneFight for the vacant WBA Gold International title in the Light Heavyweight division (up to 79.4 kg).
Paris 2024 Olympic champion Oleksandr Khyzhniak (2-0, 2 KOs) will have the third fight of his professional career. The Ukrainian will face experienced Argentine boxer Durval Elias Palacio (16-4, 12 KOs). The vacant WBA Gold International Light Heavyweight title will be on the line — the first professional title opportunity of Khyzhniak’s career.
Khyzhniak entered professional boxing after one of the most successful amateur careers among modern Ukrainian fighters. In 2024, he became an Olympic champion in Paris, defeating Nurbek Oralbay in the final, after previously winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. His amateur achievements also include World and European Championship titles in 2017, as well as a gold medal at the European Games.
Khyzhniak began his professional career in March 2026, knocking out Wilmer Baron in the first round of his debut. The Ukrainian returned for his second professional fight on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, where he stopped Lenny Patrach in the second round. Khyzhniak has therefore won both of his professional fights by knockout.
Now, in just his third professional appearance, Khyzhniak will have the opportunity to capture his first title. He will face 36-year-old Palacio, who brings significantly more professional experience. The Argentine has competed in 20 professional fights, recording 16 victories, including 12 by knockout, and four defeats.
