Oleksandr Usyk - Anthony Joshua rematch planned for June

Oleksandr Usyk has begun training for his contractually-obligated rematch against Anthony Joshua.

Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs), who defeated Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) in a boxing masterclass last September 25 in London to take his British rival’s WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles, initially put his career on hold to enlist in a territorial defense battalion in Kyiv, Ukraine, in the ongoing war with Russia.

Now Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion, has stated he will defend his belts against the Englishman. The 35-year-old stated on social media that facing Joshua would lift his war-torn country more than patrolling the streets.

“Good evening, everyone,” Usyk stated. “I’ve decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua. That’s how I will help my country more, and it’s better than being in territorial defense and running around Kyiv with a machine gun.

“Dear friend, many of my friends and close ones called me and supported me in this. Haters, I wish you well and wish you happiness, joy, and peace. Everything will be with God’s blessing. Everything will be with Ukraine. Wishing everyone well.”

Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, revealed he is working with Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, on finalizing a date and location for the rematch, which is expected to land in June.

“I expect that fight to take place in June,” Hearn said Thursday. “I think almost certainly now that will be the next fight for ‘AJ,’ which he is extremely happy about. He’s ready to go.

“We are dealing with Alex Krassyuk to finalize the location, and hopefully next week, we can give you some news to say that this fight is on and it will take place on this date, in this location. Like I said, it’s almost certain that it will be AJ-Usyk next.”