Nigerian-born former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has received earlier news about a possible rematch with his conqueror, Oleksandr Usyk, who stopped him last weekend in London.
Megasportsarena.com reports that it was Joshua second defeat of his career but, as it was after he lost to Andy Ruiz Jnr in 2019, the London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist could be heading into history as a three-time world heavyweight champ.
The opportunity ‘AJ’ would have to achieve that rare feat should come in the form of a quick rematch with Usyk, who admitted that a move in that direction is already on course, but admitted he is worried about the choice of venue.
That worry became palpable, after Usyk’s team have announced that Joshua has ‘activated in principle’ a rematch clause and they hope Kiev will host the fight in February.
The Ukrainian former cruiserweight undisputed champion was crowned as the new WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight king after his unanimous decision win over Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Joshua is now bound to seek the opportunity to reclaim his belts, having earlier indicated that he would take an immediate rematch, saying at the final press conference: “100 per cent. 110 per cent. I’m ready to get back to training.
“Because of the 12 rounds, my lungs and everything, it was a good 12-rounder, so I’ll be in a good place when I get back into training to pick up where we left off.”
Usyk has also held a press conference with his promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, who appeared to confirm that Joshua had enforced a second fight.
Krassyuk disclosed: “The rematch was specified in the contract. It has already been activated in principle, from the side of Joshua.
“So I remember when we discussed with Oleksandr the issue of rematch, he was delighted and said ‘Wow, cool, I will beat Antokha (Anthony) twice.'”
