HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING: ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OLEKSANDR USYK REMATCH CONFIRMED

British-Nigeria boxer Anthony Joshua quest to reclaim WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles is closer with a rematch scheduled for August 20 against Ukranian Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua had lost to the Oleksandr at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London last September, with judges scoring 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 in favour of the Ukranian.

The 32 year-old British Nigeria, this time will return to Saudi Arabia having avenged his first pro loss with a points win over Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriyah in December 2019. The former heavyweight champion who has made a couple of visits to Nigeria with fans welcoming him home, has employed additional hand to his training team with American trainer Robert Garcia joining team of Angel Fernandez in a bid to avenge the second defeat of his professional career.

The earlier anticipation of the rematch was assumed stalled by the fight in Ukraine but the 35 year-old Ukrainian was given special dispensation to leave the country and start his preparations with a date and venue now confirmed.

The world heavyweight fight will take place at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia with expectations high for the best of boxing show. Both boxers has many close record as Olympic gold medallist with Usyk joining Joshua in the laurel in London 2012.

Usyk who has an impeccable performance undefeated in 19 professional bouts graduated from the cruiserweight category as undisputed world cruiserweight champion in 2018 before claiming three heavyweight belts- WBO, WBA and IBF.

Joshua on his corner has a standing record to have reclaimed his title. He did this against Andy Ruiz Jr! It will not be surprise if he repeats same against one of the best pound-to-pound boxer in the world, Usyk.

With Anthony Joshua additional force in bringing American trainer Robert Garcia, obviously his tenacity is expected to improve more and quicker delivery of his punches. The showdown is on 20 August!