Joshua's rematch against Usyk could be 'delayed’
The rematch was initially planned to be held again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or at Wembley - but now looks likely to take place in Saudi Arabia
Nigeria born former heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua may have his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk pushed back by a month - meaning the bout will likely take place in July.
Usyk, who was enlisted in the Kyiv Territorial Defence as soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, has only recently confirmed that he has been able to start his training camp for the fight.
According to Dan Rafael, Eddie Hearn and Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk's promoter, are now targeting a July 23 date for the heavyweight rematch.
Sportsmail understands that this is just one of numerous dates being looked at, however, with the potential locations being discussed available at different times.
The fight was planned for the month prior to that - but given the extreme circumstances in Ukraine, Usyk had not been able to begin his training.
The 35-year-old's involvement in the war raised serious doubts as to whether it could happen at all this year but the former undisputed world cruiserweight champion extricated himself from Ukraine late last week.
He has insisted on a training camp lasting more than two months in order to recover from the rigours of war and reach full boxing fitness.
Usyk upset a London crowd back in September as he beat the Nigeria-born champion by unanimous decision to claim the heavyweight titles at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
The rematch was initially planned to be held again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or at Wembley - but now looks likely to take place in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua fought there in December 2019, in a similar rematch against Andy Ruiz who had inflicted AJ's first defeat and first loss of his titles.
Joshua will be looking to bounce back from a loss for the second time in his boxing career.
