Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Ukrainian world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk thrown into disarray due to Russian invasion
Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk has been thrown into disarray as the Ukrainian world heavyweight champion’s preparation is now facing uncertainty following Russia’s invasion of the heavyweight champion’s homeland, Ukraine.
Usyk landed in the UK this week as talks continue over a second fight with AJ, which is slated for late May or June.
A final date and venue have yet to be decided but most details of the deal are already agreed.
A source close to Joshua’s camp has insisted ‘all plans are set for the rematch’ but Usyk can no longer return to his training base on the outskirts of Kiev.
His promoter admitted he now had ‘no idea’ what Usyk will do ahead of the rematch. ‘But coming back to Ukraine is impossible,’ Alex Krassyuk told Sportsmail.
The Ukrainian, who dethroned Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in September, wanted to defend his belts at home.
