An announcement across the date and venue for Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk might come within the subsequent fortnight, in keeping with the Ukrainian’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk.
Joshua misplaced the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles to Usyk in September, when the unbeaten southpaw outpointed the Briton in north London. “AJ” quickly triggered a rematch clause to arrange a second combat with Usyk, although a failed step-aside deal and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have each been hurdles within the journey to a rematch between the pair.
At first of this yr, Joshua’s financial calls for reportedly thwarted a deal that will have seen the previous two-time champion step apart to permit Usyk to combat WBC title holder Tyson Fury in a unification bout. Then, final month, Usyk returned to his native Ukraine to assist its defence in opposition to the continuing invasion by Russia.
Usyk has now left the nation, nonetheless, to start coaching for a rematch with Joshua.
“Inside the subsequent two weeks we count on to finalise particulars,” Krassyuk advised Sky Sports activities.
“Late June can also be the timing we’re contemplating now,” he mentioned final week. “Many issues will depend upon how briskly we handle to ink the papers. The great factor is that Usyk is already in Europe to start out his preparation.”
In the meantime, 35-year-old Usyk has defined his determination to go away Ukraine and start coaching for a rematch with Joshua, saying in a social-media video: “That’s how I’ll assist my nation extra, and it’s higher than being in territorial defence and operating round Kyiv with a machine gun.
“Lots of my mates and shut ones known as me and supported me on this. Haters, I want you nicely and want you happiness, pleasure and peace. The whole lot might be with God’s blessing. Wishing everybody nicely.”
Saudi Arabia has been named as a possible location for the rematch, although Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned he and his fighter are eager on the competition happening within the UK.
Kaynak: briturkish.com
