By Shaun Murphy-
Anthony Joshua’s rematch fight against Olegsander Usyk is to be delayed by at least 2 weeks, despite the gap between the original fight and the return match.
A new date is due to be set for around Mid August, nearly a year after he lost his first clash to the slick Usyk. His fellow Brit, Tyson Fury, who defeated Deontey Wilder last October, has already fought since then in April, disposing of Dillian Whyte in 6 rounds. The length of time it has taken Joshua’s team to stage a return match has been poor, even bearing in mind that Usyk has not long turned his back on the war to commit fully to the fight.
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The new world heavyweight champion had been serving in his home country’s territorial regiment in connection to the war with Russia, initially delaying the timing of the rematch, and leaving Joshua without an opponent for too long. An opportunity for Joshua to face Joe Joyce in an interim bout presented itself, but was never embraced, perhaps for the better.
The delay could work in the Londoner’s favour in earning him more time to adapt to the tough approach of aggression he is likely to be conditioned to by new coach Garcia.
Usyk schools former champion Anthony Joshua Image:skysports.com
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More time required to create a purpose-built stadium in Saudi Arabia fitted with air conditioning is believed to be imperative, primarily because of Hearn’s business drive in maximising financial yields from the big fight, rather than stage it in the Uk where it would earn plenty of money, but not as much as in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua’s reputation has taking a big hit ever since his second defeat to Usyk, especially after he was first demolished by Andy Ruiz Jnr, before avenging that defeat 6 months later. Losing to Usyk, a blown up cruiserweight damaged his reputation badly, he will need to knock Usyk out to make up for the loss which cannot be compensated by a points victory.
The delay will be made much worse by another defeat, which will end Joshua’s career there and then.
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.’
We are, but please hurry up!
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