Promoter Reveals Whether Ukraine-Russia Conflict Will Affect Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk Rematch

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk look likely to re-match each other and settle the fate of the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles which are currently under the hold of Usyk. Joshua lost his heavyweight belts to his Ukrainian opposition in September 2021 in a stacked Wembley Arena in London.

Following the result, Usyk was aligned to go for an undisputed title fight. However, fate seems to have brought him back against AJ. The heavyweight title fight was rumored to happen shortly but can possibly see some change in plans. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has apparently put confusion on those ideas.

According to reports, Usyk has flown from the UK to Ukraine in the wake of a critical situation in his country. While the situation can affect his rematch against Joshua, promoter Eddie Hearn doesn’t see it happening. However, Hearn hasn’t ruled away any possibility of seeing the matchup fall off, as the existing scenario is quite critical.

In a chat with the iFL TV, Eddie Hearn said, “I can’t tell you what Oleksandr Usyk is thinking in his mind. But for me, the answer is no. I mean, I would guess Oleksandr Usyk would start campaigning in about four weeks’ time. I guess like Dmitry Bivol, who will start camping in Los Angeles this weekend or Monday.”

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“If that’s what is required of Usyk, he will do the same. But it’s a very sensitive subject. And I can’t tell you what certain individuals are doing, whose country is at war. But I don’t expect it to have any bearing on Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk. If that’s where you were going with it.”

Oleksandr Usyk is ready for all the action

As Ukraine and Russia are currently having conflict with each other, several Ukrainian boxers have offered themselves in the clash. The Mayor of Kyiv and former heavyweight champion, Vitali Klitschko, is actively participating in his country’s interest. Meanwhile, various reports cite Usyk to have done the same. Amid such a situation, Oleksandr Usyk may take some time to come back to his boxing drills.

The heavyweight division has already seen one of its title fights in Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte get scheduled on April 23. Therefore, Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2 will see the other titles go up for grabs, setting the road clean for an undisputed clash in the future.

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Well, Eddie Hearn expects Usyk to start his fight camp shortly. Nevertheless, the champion is yet to confirm so, which continues to put some confusion in the fate of the title fight.

Do you think Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk will happen despite the uncertain situations around it?