WBA, IBF and WBO champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed his fight against Oleksandr Usyk after his fight with Tyson Fury broke up due to Wilder’s contract clause.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk could take place at Wembley Stadium according to Usyk’s promoter. The promoters are yet to confirm the exact date for the Joshua vs Usyk fight. If reports to be believed, AJ’s representative hinted that fight could take place on August 21, 2024.
It’s good news for the British fans as they will get to see Joshua up against Oleksandr to defend his title on home grounds in the UK towards the end of the summer as the crowd restrictions have been lifted up.
In December last year, Joshua fought Kubrat Pulev at the SSE Arena Wembley, but only 1,000 fans were allowed to attend. Promoter Eddie Hearn said that no venue was set. But it could take place in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium or one of London grounds Wembley or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. As Speaking with IFL TV last night about where the fight will be held.
We’re talking to Wembley,” he said. “We’re talking to Spurs as well, the big question we asked at Wembley [when discussing the Fury fight] was ‘can you guarantee full capacity?’ and the answer was no.
“There’s been good movement at the weekend with fans coming back, if we’re in August or early September do we have a better chance?
“We’re not under as much pressure with the financials as we were with the Fury-AJ mega-fight so could we go in with a 40,000 capacity and upwards.
“The plan is to hold the event in London, or Cardiff subject to when it is.”
Joshua will probably fight for his next match in America. However, Hearn said that Usyk in this case is unlikely to be the enemy. This means giving up one of his heavy belts.
Andy Ruiz Jr has thrown his hat into the ring to fight in the trilogy, but the ultimate plan seems to be to intervene in invincible Ukraine to step in.
Considered one of the world’s greatest heavyweights, Usyk defeated Tony Bellew in 2018 after winning the World Boxing Super Series. However, as a heavyweight champion, he only fought twice, beating Chazz Witherspoon in 2019 and Derek Chisora in London last Halloween.
As the match dates would be announced soon in few days. It is Anthony Joshua who has an upper hand over his Ukrainian Challenger Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua is the favourite among the bookies and is more likely to retain his title.