Via Jack Tiernan: Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2 could be announced next week on July 23 in the Middle East, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) prefers the UK rematch, but IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) wants it to be held in a venue that will bring the most money of money.
With money as the main driver, the Middle East is where the Joshua-Usyk II fight seems headed. Hearn said he believes the fight will be announced next week.
Team Usyk wants a neutral location
“July 23 is not a specific datebut there’s a very good chance you’ll see that fight on July 23 in the Middle East,” Eddie Hearn told iFL TV about the Anthony Joshua vs. rematch. Oleksandr Usyk.
“We’ve had a number of offers from around the world and we’ve been working on those, and we’re finalizing that selection,” Hearn said on a website about the clash. Joshua – Usyk 2.
“Team Usyk has insisted that it is the option they prefer because obviously, it is a lot of money. Although the amount is considerably more than a war in Great Britain, Team Usyk prefers a neutral location, and I don’t blame them for that. So that’s where we are.
“Are we announcing it this week? Probably not, but do we announce it next week? Most certainly. You’ll see that fight, and you’ll see that fight in July, and you’ll get the official announcement soon,” Hearn said.
Joshua’s fight with Usyk in the Middle East instead of London would be no big deal, given how well he performed in his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019 in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia.
Joshua seems to be performing better, playing away from home without pressure from fans as he can focus on his game plan.
Hearn has many offers
“You mentioned Saudi, and it definitely didn’t happen [there],” said Heartn. “We have had several offers from the Middle East. The UK, obviously for the rematch, is where AJ wants that fight to take place,” Hearn said.
“It’s too far from the numbers [from what the Middle East will pay]. America is a more lucrative location, but you have to understand this war is a financial split between Usyk and AJ.
“We can’t just go to London because it’s a home ground advantage for AJ when you can make two or three times the amount to go elsewhere. Usyk doesn’t care if the fight takes place in London, but he probably doesn’t want to be in England. He wants to make as much money as possible.
“AJ wants it in England but just wants the rematch. He has boxed in the Middle East before and won great [over Andy Ruiz Jr] Hearn said.
