Oleksandr Usyk will be hoping to defend his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles when he fights against Anthony Joshua in a rematch on August 20. The pair first did battle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September, with the Ukrainian winning on that occasion via unanimous decision.
This time, however, 'AJ' returns with a new coach as Robert Garcia takes over the role from Rob McCracken hoping to bring the heavyweight titles back to the UK. Usyk, meanwhile has an undefeated record to maintain, having now won world championship titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
Both fighters will likely have Tyson Fury in their sights after the Gypsy King extended his immaculate record with a knockout win over Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium. For Joshua, he will be looking to manage what he did against Andy Ruiz Jr and claim another win in Saudi Arabia.
READ MORE: Anthony Joshua told to flirt with 'disqualification' in order to win Oleksandr Usyk fight
The undercard has also been announced, with Croatian Heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs) meeting China’s undefeated Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Heavyweight World Title. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Callum Smith (28-1, 20 KOs) will face France's Mathieu Bauderlique (21-1, 12 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the World Title currently held by Artur Beterbiev.
What date is Joshua vs Usyk 2?
Joshua vs Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday 20 August at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia.
What is the UK start time and TV channel for Joshua vs Usyk 2?
The event will start at 6pm on Saturday, August 20 on Sky Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office HD.
The fight is going to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the country in which Joshua beat Ruiz in 2019 and that fight had a 9pm start UK time.
Where can I buy tickets for Joshua vs Usyk 2?
Tickets are now on sale. Tickets are available from SAR375 and fight fans can get their tickets via Hala Yalla ( www.halayalla.com/sa-en/tickets/rage-on-the-red-sea ). For VISA entry information, fans should go to Visit Saudi ( www.visa.visitsaudi.com ) information on how to apply.
Who is on the Joshua vs Usyk 2 undercard?
- Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2
- Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera
- Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator)
- Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (IBF heavyweight final eliminator)
- Tyron Spong vs Andrew Tabiti
- Daniel Lapin vs Jozef Jurko
- Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova
- Ziyad Almaayouf vs Hector Alatorre
What has been said?
Oleksandr Usyk:
I am very happy to get the opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia and help open new horizons for the sport of boxing. I love to travel around the world and fight in places for the first time. I am not fighting for money or any recognition. I am just doing my job now and will continue fighting until my heart keeps beating. I am not expecting anything from Anthony Joshua, but I know that he will be different, but so will I.”
Anthony Joshua
Shout out to everyone in Saudi Arabia as well! It is going to be my second time there; first time was lit and it is going to be even better this time for sure. Going down to the old city was unbelievable. I am sure you have seen some of the videos on social media. Anyone that is going, I am sure you are going to be in for a great time in Saudi Arabia.
“In terms of old AJ, same old G, I’m just doing what I’m doing. Grafting away. It is a rough and tough sport. Fighting these lefties is a nightmare! And I cannot make the same mistake twice. I am hungry and desperate but at the end of the day how I perform will speak.”
