Joshua vs Usyk 2: AJ may earn £100 million for rematch in Saudi Arabia

AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the British superstar will fight his Ukrainian rival for a second time this summer

Joshua vs Usyk 2: AJ may earn £100 million for rematch in Saudi Arabia
Anthony-Joshua

Nigeria born former heavy weight champion of the world Anthony Joshua is set to pocket a staggering £100 million fight purse for his highly-anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, according to reports.

AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the British superstar will fight his Ukrainian rival for a second time this summer.

The Daily Mail claims that Joshua’s rematch with Usyk could take place in Saudi Arabia.

And the pride of Watford‘s purse for his next outing is expected to be substantially more than the one he received for his second meeting with Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019.

It’s been reported the 32-year-old will earn £100 million for his rematch with the former undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world.

By comparison, Joshua pocketed around £66 million for his much-anticipated rematch with Ruiz Jr.

So it’s highly likely he will receive a significant increase in pay ahead of his second showdown with Usyk especially if it does indeed end up taking place in the Middle East.

But according to Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk, the exact location and date has not been decided yet.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he 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.”

Despite the very real prospect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine scuppering plans for Joshua rematching Usyk in the summer, Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn is confident the fight will come to fruition.

Last week, Hearn told the DAZN Boxing Show: “Obviously now everybody’s made their statements, Usyk’s come out and said, ‘I’m starting camp,’ so that fight is a go for June.

“We’re now going through all the various offers from different countries to stage that fight, with Alex Krassyuk.

“The Middle East is obviously very interested in that fight, we’d like the fight in London as well if possible.

“I think probably this week, early next week, we’ll start firming up some dates. But, as I said: Usyk-AJ rematch definitely to take place in June.”