Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua calibrate a rematch
World boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced he will be having a rematch, likely to be held in London, with British Anthony Joshua in June.
The Ukrainian boxer, who is the IBF, IBO, and WBO heavyweight champion, took to his verified Instagram account to make the announcement.
In his statement, Usyk opined that his rematch with Joshua will help Ukraine better than running around with machine guns to defend the country’s territory against the Russians The Trumpet gathered.
He said, “I’ve decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
“That’s how I will help my country more and it’s better than being in territorial defence and running around Kyiv with a machine gun.
While Usyk responded to the comments of those who felt his decision to opt-out of the war for a rematch with Joshua was wrong, he, however, appreciated the goodwill messages from his friends.
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He said: “Dear friends, many of my friends and close ones called me and supported me in this. Haters, I wish you well and wish you happiness, joy, and peace, he said.
“Everything will be with God’s blessing. Everything will be for Ukraine. Wishing everyone well,” Usyk added.
The Ukrainian boxer, who defeated Anthony Joshua by a unanimous decision (117-112, 115-113, and 116-112), winning three of the four heavyweight belts, was the former cruiserweight champion.
Arguably, Usyk does not have the option to reject the invitation for the rematch because it was stated in the contract which Anthony Joshua has since executed.
Meanwhile, the decision by Usyk to go for a rematch against Anthony Joshua rivals that of his compatriot, Vasyl Lomachenko, who resigned from a contest with Australian George Kambosos to defend Ukraine’s territory.
