Daniel Lapin successfully made weight in Kyiv on Friday ahead of his light-heavyweight title defence, as attention builds toward a significant night for Usyk17 Promotions.

The unbeaten 12-0 fighter headlines Saturday's 'Rising Stars' event, where he faces Latvia's Kristaps Bulmeistars while putting his WBO International, WBA Continental and IBF Intercontinental belts on the line.

For Lapin, though, the occasion carries added meaning beyond the titles.

'Fighting in Kyiv means everything to me,' he said. 'This is my home, the place that shaped who I am-not just as a boxer, but as a person. 

'I haven't had the chance to step into the ring here for over four years, so coming back now feels incredibly powerful. To perform in front of my people again, in my city, is something truly special.'

The event, taking place at the Equides Club in nearby Lisnyky, marks a major step in the relaunch of Usyk17 Promotions, the company founded by heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Originally established in 2020, the promotion paused operations following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but now returns with a renewed focus on developing domestic talent and creating a pathway for future stars.

Lapin is expected to play a central role in that project and he believes this weekend is only the beginning.

'I see this as just the first step in developing this company here in Ukraine,' he said. 'We're building something meaningful, and in the future, I believe you'll see us involved in bigger and bigger shows.'

He went on to add: 'We're confident everything will come together, it's going to be a great night tomorrow night.'

The card also features Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak making his professional debut, along with heavyweight Dmytro Lovchynskyi, as the promotion looks to showcase a new generation of Ukrainian fighters.

With Lapin front and centre, Saturday's event is being seen as both a homecoming and a statement of intent for what could come next.