Oleksandr Usyk launches NFTs to raise $2,000,000 for Ukraine
Ukrainian world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has launched an NFT fundraiser to raise money for his home nation. The professional boxer has teamed up with UK-based NFT platform Blockasset in a bid to raise $2,000,000. The money will go to the Usyk Foundation, which will support important humanitarian work for his native Ukraine.
Oleksandr Usyk’s NFT collection launched just weeks before his title rematch against former champion Anthony Joshua. English-born Joshua will look to reclaim his titles against unbeaten Ukrainian Usyk on August 20.
For more information about the NFT collection, Ukraine and Oleksandr Usyk, see the press release below:
Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk launches NFT collection with Blockasset that bids to raise $2,000,000 for his home country ahead of rematch with Anthony Joshua
Current WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO Heavyweight Champion of the World, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk is teaming up with UK-based sports NFT platform Blockasset to launch an exclusive digital artwork collection in an effort to raise $2,000,000 for Usyk Foundation, which supports important humanitarian work for its home country.
Designed by world-renowned artist Dosbrak, Usyk’s digital art collection will consist of more than 2,000 collectibles housed exclusively on the Solana blockchain, the world’s fastest growing crypto ecosystem that houses thousands of NFTs, digital assets and other cryptocurrencies securely.
Ahead of his upcoming rematch against Anthony Joshua, Usyk said: “I appreciate the opportunity to link up with Blockasset, who I see as the heavyweight champions of sports NFTs. I’m a big fan of Dosbrak’s art and it has It has been a pleasure to collaborate on this initiative, which I am sure will raise a significant amount for our foundation.”
Speaking exclusively to Blockasset, Usyk touched on his motivation and preparation ahead of his upcoming world title defense, “Compared to war, boxing is child’s play. War is a terrible thing, which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. My thoughts, as much as possible, are to be well prepared for the Joshua fight and to be able to once again glorify my god Jesus Christ and my homeland.”
Blockasset’s latest NFT collection will pay tribute to a number of key moments throughout Usyk’s career, including his victory over Anthony Joshua in London as well as the Ukrainian’s infamous character and love for his country.
The campaign aims to raise $2,000,000 from sales, with the proceeds being donated to the Usyk Foundation, the fighter’s charity that directly provides humanitarian aid to other Ukrainians who need it most, in the form of shelter, medical supplies, food and hygiene items.
On behalf of Blockasset, Paul Evans, CEO said, “We are delighted to be able to help Oleksandr raise money for the Usyk Foundation through our latest NFT drop. We are very confident that by bringing the blockchain community together, we can provide a significant contribution”.
A number of rare physical items, such as signed original Dosbrak prints and autographed Oleksandr Usyk gloves will be awarded to holders of the rarest mint NFTs.
Eschewing the success of Blockasset’s recent Legends and Smesh Bros. drops, Evans continued: “We made history with our previous NFT drops, with Legends setting the record for the highest grossing NFT drop for esports in the time of Solana and Smesh Bros. .By working hand in hand with Oleksandr, we will make further history and support the vital work of the Usyk Foundation”.
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Featured image credit courtesy of Press Box and:
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