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Ukraine Secures First-Ever Medal in Girls’ Boxing at Youth Olympic Games
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Ukrainian boxer Yevanhelina Petruk reached the girls’ 57kg semifinal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on November 9, guaranteeing Ukraine at least a bronze medal.
This victory gives Ukraine its first-ever medal in girls' boxing in the history of the Youth Olympic Games, according to the Boxing Federation of Ukraine.
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Petruk faced Algerian boxer Besma Bahri in the quarterfinals. The Ukrainian athlete lost the first round but gained control in the following two rounds to win by a 3:2 split decision.
Petruk, 17, who won silver at the European U17 Championships in December 2025, will compete in the semifinal against Aknur Tursingali from Kazakhstan.
On May 11, British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury publicly called for a third fight against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, and the Ukrainian champion responded that he was prepared to face Fury anytime and anywhere.
Fury released a video message outlining plans for a potential rematch following a proposed bout against Anthony Joshua later in 2026.
Usyk subsequently confirmed his readiness for another meeting, while negotiations for Fury’s fight against Joshua were moving forward for the fourth quarter of 2026.
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