Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk |
Oleksandr Usyk’s team has resumed plans for a rematch with Anthony Joshua which is set to be scheduled this summer.
The Ukrainian star returned to his home nation to help defend against the Russian invasion, but Usyk is now expected to continue his career later this year.
Joshua has activated a clause for a rematch with Usyk after losing his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
But attempts to finalise terms were put on hold, with Usyk heading back to Ukraine to help his compatriots, and the two-weight world champion was pictured holding an assault rifle with the Kyiv Territorial Defense.
By extending his unbeaten professional record, Usyk also delayed the prospects of an all-British unification bout between Joshua and Fury.
In October, Fury defeated Deontay Wilder to retain his World Boxing Council belt.
The WBC have since said Fury must face mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte in his next title defence, although boxing history indicates that such objections need not get in the way of a bout with Usyk instead if the financial terms are agreeable to all concerned.
Joshua, who has a rematch clause in his contract with Usyk, said: “I’m a smart individual and I make calculated decisions every step of the way…If I tell you something then you know it’s real.” (Punch)
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