Ice. Cold.
It looks like we could be all set for a rematch after Oleksandr Usyk’s team announced that Anthony Joshua has ‘activated in principle’ a rematch clause which would see the two fighters pit up against each other once more.
Usyk beat Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend in spectacular fashion by a unanimous points decision to take the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles. And the Ukrainian is confident he can repeat the feat again.
Straight after the fight in his post-fight conference, Joshua seemed extremely keen to have a rematch, insisting that he was “100%” committed.
The 31-year-old then went on to say: “I’m ready to get back to training. Because of the 12 rounds, my lungs and everything, it was a good 12-rounder, so I’ll be in a good place when I get back into training to pick up where we left off.”
Upon returning to his home nation, Usyk was questioned alongside promoter Alexander Krassyuk and both confirmed that an offer had been made by Joshua’s camp.
“The rematch was specified in the contract,” said Krassyuk. “It has already been activated in principle, from the side of Joshua.
“So I remember when we discussed with Oleksandr the issue of rematch, he was delighted and said ‘Wow, cool, I will beat Anthony twice.’“
"COOL, I WILL BEAT ANTHONY TWICE" 😯@usykaa gives the latest on a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua 🥊 pic.twitter.com/j5TNpd39a0
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 29, 2021
There are also hopes from Usyk’s side that the rematch can take place at the Olympic stadium in Kiev in February, 2022 with the winner responding to criticisms from Eddie Hearn who believes an alternative venue may be a more viable option and that the best is still yet to come from him.
Usyk said: “How does Hearn know that in February at Olympic stadium it is bad to box?
“Has he ever fought in February at the Olympic?”
“You didn’t see the best Usyk. I can be much better.”
Related links:
- Tyson Fury’s verdict on Anthony Joshua versus Oleksandr Usyk revealed
- Eddie Hearn claims Anthony Joshua was beating Usyk after eight rounds
- Anthony Joshua sensationally beaten by Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk
