Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua activated the rematch clause day after he got smoked by Oleksandr Usyk in their first fight.
The former undisputed cruiserweight king defeated “AJ” via UD on September 25 in London, dominating Joshua from top to bottom. Many people said the Brit needs to fix his fighting style and not to rush for an immediate rematch, but he did.
Ufortunately, six months later there is no date nor a venue for the rematch. In the first days of 2022 Hearn and Usyk’s team adressed the issue saying that the fight will probably take place in early May.
But the military conflict in Ukraine changed everything. The world champion is back home defending his country and as of this moment, the fight is in the air. Usyk will need at least two months for a proper training camp.
Still, Hearn believes the rematch can take place in June, even though that seems impossible at this moment.
“Is AJ vs Usyk happening now? I actually think it will,” said Eddie Hearn to TalkSport.
“I actually think that fight will happen next and it will happen in June.”
Top Rank’s Bob Arum had this to say on Usyk and his fellow countryman Vasyl Lomachenko.
“The Ukrainian government, which is tremendous, are co-operating with us as far as Lomachenko and also Usyk,” said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum to Fanatics View about Oleksandr Usyk and Vasily Lomachenko being given permission to leave Ukraine to participate in important fights.
“They realize there’s tremendous publicity value in having them come out, train, and participate in title fights.
“So I don’t know where that stands with either guy, whether they’re going to accept the offer of the cultural minister of Ukraine to leave and to train for fights.”
