Saudi Arabia could be the venue for the eagerly-awaited Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2 this summer.
The rematch for the IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles currently held by Usyk will now hopefully take place in June. This after Usyk left the war in his homeland of Ukraine to begin preparations for the fight.
His promoter Alex Krassyuk told Sky Sports that Usyk (19-0) is already in Europe preparing to face Joshua (24-2) for a second time. He outpointed the British megastar with a brilliant performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 venue latest
Krassyuk said: “This location is under discussion at the moment. Late June is also the timing we are considering now. “Many things will depend on how fast we manage to ink the papers.
“The good thing is that Usyk is already in Europe to start his preparation.”
Usyk has spent the last month in a territorial defence unit in Kyiv. But now he has decided he can help the war effort more by using his boxing to promote the issue on a global scale.
Usyk on decision to return for Joshua fight
“That’s how I will help my country more and it’s better than being in territorial defence and running around Kyiv with a machine gun,” he said on social media.
“Dear friends, many of my friends and close ones called me and supported me in this. Haters, I wish you well and wish you happiness, joy and peace.
“Everything will be with God’s blessing. Everything will be Ukraine. Wishing everyone well.”
The winner of Usyk vs Joshua 2 could be set for a massive showdown to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis back in 1999.
WBC, Ring magazine and lineal champion Tyson Fury defends his titles vs fellow Brit Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23.
It’s hope the winners of the two bouts will meet later this year with all the marbles on the line in boxing’s marquee weight class.
