Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II | Sky Sports PPV - 20 August 2022

[goose 5]

It smacks of spot choosing but anybody can lose their temper.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Spud]

I am genuinely concerned about AJ … his nice bloke mask seems to have slipped. He doesn’t seem bothered about his PR

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is 'delayed until mid-August' after initially being pencilled in for July 23, with a 'dispute over broadcast rights holding up the Brit's shot at heavyweight redemption'

• Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk's rematch has reportedly been delayed
• The pair were expected to meet for a second time in Saudi Arabia on July 23
• But a dispute surrounding broadcast rights has pushed it back until mid-August
• Sky have a deal with Joshua in the UK while DAZN own the international rights

Anthony Joshua's rematch against Oleksandr Usyk has reportedly been pushed back until mid-August.

The Brit is set to face Usyk for a second time this year after losing his unified heavyweight titles when they last collided back in September.

A rematch between the pair was expected to take place in Saudi Arabia on July 23, but The Telegraph are now reporting that it has been delayed until mid-August due to a dispute surrounding broadcast rights.

Sky has secured a deal with Joshua to show his date of destiny with Usyk on their Box Office platform in the UK, while DAZN - promoter Eddie Hearn's exclusive broadcast partner - are taking the international rights.

The report states that an extra two or three weeks will be required to iron out the existing issues concerning the broadcast deals.

It is believed their return bout will still be staged out in the Middle East, where Joshua previously reclaimed his unified crown against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019.

The delay will allow him more time to gel with new trainer Robert Garcia amid reports claiming he has joined forces with the Mexican-American

Additional time is also understood to be required to create a purpose-built stadium in Saudi Arabia fitted with air conditioning, an essential given the searing temperatures of more than 40 degrees.

Hearn revealed in an interview with iFL TV this week that while his proposed date of July 23 was not guaranteed, an official announcement confirming the rematch is on the horizon.

'When you question about will there be a delay? If there is, you're talking about two weeks and it's for no other reason than time and making sure we can promote the fight in the right way,' he said.

'The fight is happening, the fight is agreed in terms of where it will take place and both sides have agreed, both sides have agreed the deal, and both sides have agreed everything.

'It's just probably taken 10 days longer than we wanted it to and without putting a date all I can tell you is we are finalising the final bits of paperwork, and everything is agreed. So, standby.'

Joshua's tilt at revenge has taken longer to confirm than anticipated, with Usyk only recently leaving the frontline in Ukraine to begin his preparations for it.

The three-belt champion had been serving in his home country's territorial regiment amid the war with Russia, meaning his rematch with AJ was forced to take a back seat.

After departing for a training camp in Poland at the end of March, Usyk's sights are now set on defending his heavyweight crown.

[jimmystone]

Not much turn around for the slaves in Saudi Arabia to get whipped into action and knock up that stadium! We'll never know how many die building it,. Doesn't matter as long as AJ gets paid, I suppose.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Usyk's promoter has said the fight WILL NOT be postponed/delayed.

[Dioufy]

Usyk's promoter has said the fight WILL NOT be postponed/delayed.

Also said that Oleksandr wasn’t leaving Ukraine. Klimas or Krassack, whoever said it won’t be delayed want to portray the image they have a say.

I think Eddie dominating this one like the last one.

[jimmystone]

Usyk's promoter has said the fight WILL NOT be postponed/delayed.

Also said that Oleksandr wasn’t leaving Ukraine. Klimas or Krassack, whoever said it won’t be delayed want to portray the image they have a say.

I think Eddie dominating this one like the last one.

I'm not so sure. A three to four week delay would make Joshua favourite for me, especially if Joshua knew about the delay already. Usyk gives of an air of nonchalance but when it comes to his training schedule and timeline he is to the day. Delays can make a monumental difference to physical preparedness to some people.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Usyk's promoter has said the fight WILL NOT be postponed/delayed.

Also said that Oleksandr wasn’t leaving Ukraine. Klimas or Krassack, whoever said it won’t be delayed want to portray the image they have a say.

I think Eddie dominating this one like the last one.

I'm not so sure. A three to four week delay would make Joshua favourite for me, especially if Joshua knew about the delay already. Usyk gives of an air of nonchalance but when it comes to his training schedule and timeline he is to the day. Delays can make a monumental difference to physical preparedness to some people.

More time for AJ to chill with Garcia.

I do know that other promoters get pissed off when Eddie Hearn speaks or announces stuff.

Like even if it’s truth.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Callum Smith will return on this card.

He will remain at 175.

[Counter-puncher]

Not much turn around for the slaves in Saudi Arabia to get whipped into action and knock up that stadium! We'll never know how many die building it,. Doesn't matter as long as AJ gets paid, I suppose.

To the heart of the matter, as ever.

[Frostieballs]

Usyk's promoter has said the fight WILL NOT be postponed/delayed.

Also said that Oleksandr wasn’t leaving Ukraine. Klimas or Krassack, whoever said it won’t be delayed want to portray the image they have a say.

I think Eddie dominating this one like the last one.

I'm not so sure. A three to four week delay would make Joshua favourite for me, especially if Joshua knew about the delay already. Usyk gives of an air of nonchalance but when it comes to his training schedule and timeline he is to the day. Delays can make a monumental difference to physical preparedness to some people.

I was thinking it might give Usyk more time to prepare after being out the gym for a while.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sky are confirming this will be at the Jeddah Superdome.

[jimmystone]

Sky are confirming this will be at the Jeddah Superdome.

That's something at least. The idea of building a purpose built stadium was obscene when there is a perfectly good one already.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sky are confirming this will be at the Jeddah Superdome.

That's something at least. The idea of building a purpose built stadium was obscene when there is a perfectly good one already.

I know they have the Jeddah stadium, where WWE did their live event a few years back.

Not really heard of the superdome, unless it’s only been built recently.

I know they’re expanding on that complex.

[Deserter]

Sky are confirming this will be at the Jeddah Superdome.

That's something at least. The idea of building a purpose built stadium was obscene when there is a perfectly good one already.

I know they have the Jeddah stadium, where WWE did their live event a few years back.

Not really heard of the superdome, unless it’s only been built recently.

I know they’re expanding on that complex.

Superdome was opened last year mate.

[Ruthless-RKO]

That's something at least. The idea of building a purpose built stadium was obscene when there is a perfectly good one already.

I know they have the Jeddah stadium, where WWE did their live event a few years back.

Not really heard of the superdome, unless it’s only been built recently.

I know they’re expanding on that complex.

Superdome was opened last year mate.

Ah ryt I see.

It holds between 35k to 40k spectators.

[Spud]

It will be the end of AJ after this fight

[daz74]

It will be the end of AJ after this fight

Chisora is still going strong with 10 defeats, so by that reckoning, win or loose against Usyk, AJ’s career is far from over

[daz74]

Hearn on Boxing King Media. Adam Smith has suggested the Usyk AJ 2 card should have Boxxer fighters on there. Hearn laughed and with a glint in his eye said let’s just see where this card lands.

[Spud]

It will be the end of AJ after this fight

Chisora is still going strong with 10 defeats, so by that reckoning, win or loose against Usyk, AJ’s career is far from over

AJs ego wont take a bad loss

[maverick23]

Hearn on Boxing King Media. Adam Smith has suggested the Usyk AJ 2 card should have Boxxer fighters on there. Hearn laughed and with a glint in his eye said let’s just see where this card lands.

Adam wasn’t exactly saying he’ll push for Boxxer fighters to be on there. He said he didn’t know what would happen but suggested that it may involve boxers from 258 management so potentially Clarke, Whittaker and guys like Okolie and Campbell Hatton. Makes sense to me.

[daz74]

Hearn on Boxing King Media. Adam Smith has suggested the Usyk AJ 2 card should have Boxxer fighters on there. Hearn laughed and with a glint in his eye said let’s just see where this card lands.

Adam wasn’t exactly saying he’ll push for Boxxer fighters to be on there. He said he didn’t know what would happen but suggested that it may involve boxers from 258 management so potentially Clarke, Whittaker and guys like Okolie and Campbell Hatton. Makes sense to me.

Yes, 258 fighters that are promoted by Matchroom, but there is absolutely no way Fraser Clarke and Ben Whittaker will be on the card. Hearn knew all along the 23 July would be pushed back, he’s now got that date for another card, and can keep other promoters guessing regarding the new date in August. I like and respect Adam Smith’s positive attitude, but when asked about over paying for the new Olympians he seemed to be having a debate with himself, trying to convince himself it will pay off in the long term. Now that Wasserman have linked up the Channel 5, are we going to see Wasserman fighters on Sky ? If not, do Sky have enough main eventers to fill the void ?

[maverick23]

Hearn on Boxing King Media. Adam Smith has suggested the Usyk AJ 2 card should have Boxxer fighters on there. Hearn laughed and with a glint in his eye said let’s just see where this card lands.

Adam wasn’t exactly saying he’ll push for Boxxer fighters to be on there. He said he didn’t know what would happen but suggested that it may involve boxers from 258 management so potentially Clarke, Whittaker and guys like Okolie and Campbell Hatton. Makes sense to me.

Yes, 258 fighters that are promoted by Matchroom, but there is absolutely no way Fraser Clarke and Ben Whittaker will be on the card. Hearn knew all along the 23 July would be pushed back, he’s now got that date for another card, and can keep other promoters guessing regarding the new date in August. I like and respect Adam Smith’s positive attitude, but when asked about over paying for the new Olympians he seemed to be having a debate with himself, trying to convince himself it will pay off in the long term. Now that Wasserman have linked up the Channel 5, are we going to see Wasserman fighters on Sky ? If not, do Sky have enough main eventers to fill the void ?

I’m sure AJ will have some input in who appears on the shows. It’s been that way for most of his PPVs. If he says he wants Clarke or Whittaker on there I’d be surprised if Eddie kicks off too much.

Wasserman only have 5 dates a year on channel 5 which isn’t much. They don’t have a big stable but if they look to grow out then they’ll need to find other ways to get their fighters active. Eubank will stay on Sky and ultimately he’s the only Wasserman boxer who would headline at the moment on Sky.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Usyk-Joshua II now set for August 20 in Saudi Arabia

Promoter Eddie Hearn has told BBTV this weekend that the highly anticipated rematch between heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Britain’s Anthony Joshua is now likely to take place on August 20th at the Jeddah Dome in Saudi Arabia.

The fight was initially slated to take place on July 23rd in the Middle East but Hearn confirmed to BBTV that the date had to be pushed back to August due to them still having not signed an agreement just seven weeks away from the July date. Joshua has recently teamed up with American trainer Robert Garcia as he looks to re-claim his titles once again.

Hearn also touched on a number of other big names, stating that he is hoping to announce the next fight for Dereck Chisora this weekend, confirming that terms had been agreed with a second opponent in a better and bigger fight after the first fell through. Conor Benn is slated to appear next in September, though Hearn remained coy on an opponent but did tease work being carried out on ‘a couple of monster fights’. Matchroom are currently waiting to hear off the WBA to confirm the split between Leigh Wood and Leo Santa Cruz for their potential fight, while Josh Warrington won’t be ready to fight until October at the earliest due to the fractured jaw he suffered versus Kiko Martinez in March.