By: Sean Crose
It is on.
The second leg between WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweights Oleksandr Usyk and the man he won those belts with, Anthony Joshua, is officially the first leg. Once again, Joshua will have to fight to regain his title in Saudi Arabia, just as he did in 2019 when he successfully regained the title he lost to Andy Ruiz six months earlier. “One of the biggest heavyweight rematch in the sport’s history,” Boxing in the match wrote in a press release, “Usyk vs. Joshua 2, called ‘Rage on the Red Sea’, will come almost three years from the historic ‘Clash on the Dunes’ event at the Diriyah Arena that saw Joshua reclaim the Heavyweight crown of the himself against Andy Ruiz Jr. ”
Usyk overcame the popular Joshua last September, winning the jury’s decision as well as three world titles in the process. A rematch was immediately agreed to by both sides, but Russia’s daring invasion of Usyk’s homeland of Ukainain this past winter is understandable. Now, with the reported blessing of the Ukrainian powers, the undefeated Usyk is set to face Joshua once again. “I have a goal,” Usyk is quoted as saying, “with God’s help I will fulfill my mission!”
For Joshua, the opportunity to become a unified champion again is a welcome development. ”“ What a roller coaster journey, fighting for the world heavyweight championship for 12 peopleorder consecutive times,” he said. “I won the belt, united the division for another belt, lost the belt, became a two-time United Heavyweight Champion and now I have a history of being a three-time unified world heavyweight champion . What an opportunity.”
Skill Challenge Entertainment honcho Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz – one of the match organizers – is delighted that Joshua is back fighting in his country, this time at the Jeddah Super Dome. “This is another proud moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said, “bringing the biggest rematch in global boxing to our great country. Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua are both stellar champions with different stories, skills and styles and the whole world will see them go head-to-head in the ring on August 20th – we’re looking forward to seeing them. welcome them. ”
Like bin Abdulaziz and Joshua himself, Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn is happy to see his boxer get a chance to face Usyk once again. “We are thrilled to be making one of the greatest Heavyweight rematches in boxing history,” he declared, “and giving Anthony Joshua the opportunity to reclaim what he lost in London. last September.” All Joshua has to do now is win – it won’t be an easy task against the adept Usyk.
The famous Londoner said: “Playing against championship levels has its pros and cons, but I decide every day to become stronger, learn from my experience and grow. A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and I am the happiest and most motivated person I have been.”
