The Ukrainian army gave permission to Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight world champion, to leave the country and his participation in the war against Russia, so he can prepare for next June’s fight against Englishman Anthony Joshua, the British press reported today.
Usyk won the world title from Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, by points on September 25 and now comes revenge after the Ukrainian confirmed that he is leaving his country of origin to start preparing for the rematch that would be at the beginning of June.
Last Friday, Usyk shared a video on his Instagram page in which he updated his followers on the situation, also writing: “I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, a lot of my friends support me, all the rest of the good and peace, thank God for everything”.
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Joshua (24 wins and two setbacks, 22 knockouts) activated a rematch clause to face Usyk again, although last January he threatened to step aside that would have allowed Usyk to face the WBC champion, the English, Tyson Fury in a unification fight, BBC Sports reported.
The deal apparently fell through due to monetary demands from Joshua as the 32-year-old Englishman was eager to avenge his loss to 35-year-old Usyk (unbeaten, 19 win, 13 fast track.
The rematch, due to take place in London, was due to take place next May but a further complication arose when Usyk returned to the Ukraine to help his nation defend itself against the ongoing Russian invasion. However, the champion was granted permission to leave the country to train for his second fight with Joshua.
With information from Telam
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