Olympic Champion Oleksandr Khyzhniak Makes History with Crypto Reward
Staff Writer • 2024-11-19
In a groundbreaking moment for sports and blockchain technology, Oleksandr Khyzhniak, the middleweight boxing champion at the Paris Olympics, became the first athlete to receive an Olympic reward in cryptocurrency. The $100,000 reward was transferred to Khyzhniak via Ready To Pay (RTPay), a Telegram-based crypto payment service developed by Oleksandr Usyk’s team in collaboration with Kauri Finance. The Reward That Redefines Tradition The historic transfer took place during Khyzhniak’s visit to Usyk’s training camp in Spain, marking the first time an Olympic champion's reward was processed through Web3 technology. Usyk, a world-renowned heavyweight boxing champion, had pledged cash rewards to Ukrainian medalists before the Olympics, and Khyzhniak’s podium finish made him the sole recipient of the promised prize. "This is only the beginning of what we can accomplish together," Usyk commented, emphasizing the innovative potential of blockchain technology in transforming the sports industry. RTPay: Revolutionizing Crypto Adoption RTPay, officially launched on November 6, is the first free Telegram-integrated crypto card. During its beta phase, the service attracted over 50,000 users and is now positioned as a leader in driving crypto adoption among the boxing and sports communities. The platform allows users to seamlessly utilize cryptocurrency like traditional debit cards, supporting integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay for effortless spending. Designed with mass adoption in mind, RTPay targets a global base of nearly 5 million boxers and fans, bridging the gap between digital finance and real-world utility. “RTPay and the Ready To Fight ecosystem showcase how Web3 technologies can revolutionize the sports industry,” said Serhii Lapin, CEO of Ready To Fight and director of Usyk’s team. “From fan engagement to secure contracts, blockchain is paving the way for decentralized, transparent solutions that benefit athletes and fans alike.” More Than a Reward: A Strategic Partnership Khyzhniak’s collaboration with Ready To Fight goes beyond the Olympic reward. The champion signed a memorandum of cooperation with the platform, granting Ready To Fight oversight of his career. This includes personal brand development, sponsorship management, and promotional efforts, reflecting the platform’s commitment to supporting athletes holistically. “Cooperating with Oleksandr Usyk’s team is an incredibly valuable experience for me,” Khyzhniak shared. “This is a team of professionals who are deeply committed to their mission of advancing both boxing and technology.” Ready To Fight: The Future of Boxing Meets Blockchain Ready To Fight (RTF) is the world’s first blockchain-based boxing ecosystem, co-founded by Usyk and Lapin. Built on the RTF blockchain, a Layer 1 EMV-compatible blockchain, the platform serves as a SocialFi hub, enabling athletes, promoters, agents, and fans to interact transparently and securely. RTF’s native token powers the ecosystem, facilitating transactions for products and services while driving innovation in athlete funding and fan engagement. With partnerships like the World Boxing Council (WBC), RTF underscores its mission to enhance the global boxing experience and bring digital transformation to the sport. A Milestone for Crypto and Sports The integration of blockchain into the boxing world represents a significant step forward in the adoption of decentralized technology. As the first Olympic champion to receive a reward via cryptocurrency, Khyzhniak’s achievement serves as a testament to the possibilities of Web3. “This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how modern technologies can empower athletes and redefine industries,” Lapin said. For more information about RTPay and the Ready To Fight ecosystem, visit rtfight.com. About RTPay and Ready To Fight: RTPay is the first free Telegram crypto card, enabling users to make crypto payments with the ease of traditional debit cards. It supports Apple Pay and Google Pay integration, offering a seamless user experience. Ready To Fight is a blockchain-based ecosystem designed to unite the boxing and crypto communities. Built on the RTF blockchain, the platform promotes transparency, decentralization, and innovation in the boxing industry. Collaborations with global organizations like the WBC further emphasize its dedication to enhancing the sport.
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