Anthony Joshua is “champing at the bit” now his world heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk has finally been confirmed.
The rematch was in doubt when Usyk returned to his native Ukraine to volunteer to fight against the invading Russians. With the Russia advance stalled because of Ukraines stiff resistance, Usyk feels able to leave and begin his training camp for Joshua. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is in constant contact with Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk and says the fight will happen in June. Joshua had considering fighting Deontay Wilder or Joe Joyce if the rematch had fallen through and Hearn claims he was only ever wanted Usyk.
“He’s excited by the news, he’s over the moon,” said the Matchroom chief. “I saw him at the UFC and he wants to fight now. He was getting to a stage where he had to fight, and this has really forced the issue with Usyk because we said to them that we understood the situation, but we needed to know now.
