WBC title for $1 million: Oleksandr and Kateryna Usyk saved the life of a seriously ill boy
19 December 22:47
The family of world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has joined the effort to save the life of two-year-old Matviy Nikitiuk, who suffers from a rare genetic disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Thanks to a charity auction and the support of caring Ukrainians, the charity managed to raise $3 million for life-saving therapy. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the social media of the boy’s parents.
The completion of the fundraiser became known after a charity event during which a unique Usyk lot was sold.
What is known about Matvey’s illness
Matviy Nikitiuk is diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare hereditary disease that affects the muscles, heart and respiratory system. The disease is caused by a mutation of a gene on the X chromosome, which results in almost no production of the protein dystrophin, which is necessary for normal muscle function.
Without this protein, muscle cells are gradually destroyed. The disease progresses rapidly:
- children begin to lose the ability to walk in their teens;
- over time, the heart and lungs are affected;
- the average life expectancy without modern therapy is 20-30 years.
How the family learned about the diagnosis
Matvii’s first alarming symptoms appeared at the age of six months – he was lagging behind in physical development, unable to sit, crawl or stand up on his own. For several months, doctors reassured his parents, assuring them that the child would “catch up.”
Only after repeated visits and blood tests did they find out that the boy had critically elevated enzymes characteristic of muscular dystrophy. The final diagnosis was confirmed by a genetic test that the family took at a specialized clinic.
Matvii’s mother admitted that the day the diagnosis was confirmed was one of the hardest in her life.
The only chance is Elevidys gene therapy
Today, it is impossible to completely cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but modern medicine offers a chance to stop the progression of the disease.
Gene therapy with the drug Elevidys, which is administered once, has become such a chance. The drug contains an artificial version of the dystrophin gene, which allows muscle cells to start producing microdystrophin and stop further tissue destruction.
The drug does not restore lost functions, but it gives a chance to preserve mobility, breathing and life.
The most important condition is to administer the drug before the age of 5, so time was critical for Matviy’s family.
The cost of treatment is 2.9-3 million dollars, which was the goal of the charity fundraiser.
The role of the Usyk family in saving the child
It is now known that Kateryna Usyk joined the collection at the stage when only about 11% of the required amount was raised. She openly stated that she would take responsibility for completing the collection, having a deadline of January 2026.
For the sake of saving the child, Kateryna was even ready to sacrifice her personal belongings, including selling a new Range Rover car donated by Oleksandr.
The key moment was the charity evening, during which they managed to close the collection completely. The decisive contribution was made by Oleksandr Usyk himself, who sold his WBC championship belt for $1 million.
The boxer personally presented the lot.
The absolutely unique item was purchased by businessman Gennadiy Butkevych for $1 million, which was a decisive step towards completing the collection.
During the event, Kateryna could not contain her emotions when it became known that the required amount had been raised in full.
Usyk’s motivational speech
After announcing the closure of the collection, Oleksandr Usyk addressed the audience with a motivational speech, urging them to never give up and support each other.
His words became a symbolic end to the charity campaign that brought together thousands of people.
Where and how the charity auction took place
The charity auction was held during the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 event, which was jointly organized by Forbes Ukraine and Usyk Foundation. The event brought together leading entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and opinion leaders, and a key part of the program was an auction to support humanitarian and defense projects.
During the event, several unique lots from Oleksandr Usyk were presented, the proceeds from which were used not only to treat the child, but also to help the army and restore housing for Ukrainians.
Lots of Usyk’s charity auction
Ringside Experience with Oleksandr Usyk – an exclusive experience with the champion. The proceeds from the lot were used to support the Housing for Ukrainians project.
Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC championship belt is a unique trophy that the boxer auctioned off to save a child. The lot was purchased by businessman Gennadiy Butkevych for $1 million, and all the funds were used to treat two-year-old Matviy Nikitiuk, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Special integration with Oleksandr Usyk for the brand – the funds also went to the “Housing for Ukrainians” project.
“Star Football” with Oleksandr Usyk, Andriy Shevchenko, Artem Pivovarov and other famous Ukrainians – the money from this lot was donated to support the 27th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Thus, the charity auction covered several critical areas at once: saving children’s lives, supporting the army and restoring Ukrainians’ homes.
Gratitude from Matviy’s parents
The parents of two-year-old Matviy immediately recorded an emotional video thanking the Usyk family, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the collection.
When help changes lives
Matvii’s story has become an example of how public figures, business and society can work together to save lives. Thanks to a private fundraiser, the boy got a chance for a future that until recently seemed almost unattainable.
