Nigeria’s world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua is scheduled for his next title defence against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk on September 25, megasportsarena.com reports.
This has been confirmed by Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who disclosed that the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organsiation (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) title holder is already preparing for the date.
‘AJ’ had initially been due to have an all-British heavyweight showdown with fellow-Briton, Tyson Fury this summer but a legal ruling in the United States of America wrecked their proposed fight billed for August 14 in Saudi Arabia.
The blockbuster bout has now been put on hold, after an arbitration hearing upheld a claim from America’s Deontay Wilder that he was contractually owed a third fight with World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Fury.
It means Joshua will now face Usyk on September 25, while Fury will take on Wilder to complete a trilogy of fights between the two on July 24; but victory for both Brits would fuel fresh talk about the possibility of them having an undisputed bout.
However, with the prospect of an all-British heavyweight contest on hold for now, Hearn says Joshua has turned his focus fully on his forthcoming clash with Usyk, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England likely to host the bout.
Hearn disclosed as much via Instagram live, when he said: “Joshua v Usyk announcement, don’t want to say two weeks as you guys are bored of me saying that. September 25 is the date.”
