Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Usyk could be announced ‘next week’ as Eddie Hearn reveals ‘everyone is on board’
ANTHONY JOSHUA's potentially do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could be announced "next week".
Joshua's second showdown with the undefeated Ukrainian was slated to take place in Saudi Arabia on July 23 but has been delayed due to issues with the broadcasting rights.
August 13 is understood to be the new working date for the Saudi showdown, which promoter Eddie Hearn hopes to announce soon.
The Matchroom Boxing told: "I'm very confident you'll have news next week. I know I've said that before, but it's been a long process.
"It's a huge deal, but everyone is on board and hopefully we can secure the date."
Despite the delay in finalising their rematch, Joshua and Usyk - 32 and 35 respectively - have both remained hard at work in the gym.
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Hearn said: "July 23 has always been the working date. Never signed, never agreed but a working date.
"And you get to a stage where that date is seven weeks out on Saturday and the guys are ready to fight.
"But you're talking about one of the biggest fights in the world, talking about media tours, you're talking about TV rights getting signed and sponsorships.
"And I think it would just make sense, and probably the site feel that way as well, to give yourself two or three weeks time to allow that to happen.
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"It doesn't actually matter, really, to anyone whether it happens on July 23 or August 13. We've just got to get it signed."
Joshua has enlisted the help of world champion coach Robert Garcia for his high-stakes rematch with Usyk, who turned him over in their Tottenham tussle last September.
And the former two-time heavyweight champion believes the input of the veteran trainer - who has replaced the axed Rob McCracken - will be invaluable.
He told iFL TV: "The main thing is: A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter. I’m in a good place.
"I’m good, I’m happy, I’m about to start training now.
“Garcia’s actually here now, we’re just working on a few things. It’s not about changing style as such, in my opinion.
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"Garcia’s style might be to crouch down to 5’0 and bob and weave, but I’m a 6’6” heavyweight.
“So, it’s not about style, it’s about his experience and what he knows at championship level; adding that to the camp is priceless in my opinion.”