Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch ‘positively’ going down in June, says Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch will “positively happen” in June, in response to the Briton’s promoter Eddie Hearn.

Final week, Usyk left his residence nation of Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, to start coaching for a second struggle towards Joshua.

The unbeaten southpaw took the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles from Joshua in September by outpointing “AJ” in London. Joshua, 33, quickly triggered a rematch clause, however doubt was solid over a second contest between the pair when Usyk returned to Ukraine this month to help the nation’s defence towards the continued Russian invasion.

Hearn had talked about the opportunity of Joshua taking up a unique opponent in Usyk’s absence, however the champion confirmed final week that he would start preparations for a rematch.

Hearn advised The DAZN Boxing Present this week: “Clearly now all people’s made their statements, Usyk’s come out and mentioned, ‘I’m beginning camp,’ in order that struggle is a go for June.

“We’re now going by means of all the varied presents from totally different nations to stage that struggle, with [Usyk’s promoter] Alex Krassyuk.

“The Center East is clearly very taken with that struggle, we’d just like the struggle in London as nicely if potential.

“I believe in all probability this week, early subsequent week, we’ll begin firming up some dates. However, as I mentioned: Usyk-AJ rematch positively to happen in June.”

Usyk, 35, was beforehand undisputed cruiserweight champion earlier than successful the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles from Joshua.

Earlier this yr, a step-aside deal was proposed, which might have seen Usyk tackle Joshua’s compatriot Tyson Fury in a unification bout.

The deal fell by means of, nevertheless, reportedly because of Joshua’s financial calls for. WBC champion Fury will as an alternative defend his belt towards fellow Briton Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium on 23 April.

The winner of Joshua vs Usyk is prone to face the victor between Fury and Whyte in a unification contest within the close to future, except rematches comply with both of these fights.