ANTHONY JOSHUA will officially rematch Oleksandr Uzyk on August 20th in Saudi Arabia.
After months of speculation, delays and endless delays, AJ finally has a chance at redemption.
After defeat at Wembley to Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua
Joshua, 32, was defeated by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
Joshua stated, "What an incredible rollercoaster ride fighting for the Heavyweight Championship of the World 12 times consecutively.
"I won the belt, united the division, won another belt and lost the belts. I became two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion, and now have my date with the history books to become three time Unified Heavyweight Champion in the World. This is a great opportunity.
"Living at the championship level back-to-back has its pros and cons. But I choose to grow every day, to be stronger, to learn from my mistakes, and to improve.
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"A happy fighter makes a dangerous fighter, and I'm the happiest and most motivated fighter I have ever been."
Usyk 35 was almost talked into a title decider with Tyson Fury. On Tuesday night, he made a surprise U-turn and retired. Fans were left confused when he announced that he is still retired on Wednesday morning.
AJ did not agree to a step-aside agreement that would have allowed him to be paid to fight in an interim bout while he waited for the winner.
Fury, however, knocked out Dillian Howte, 34 as talks between Usyk, Joshua - who sensationally quit Sky Sports in order to team up with DAZN under a PS100m deal-- continued.
FREE BETTING AND SIGN-UP DEALS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGSIt happened amid Russia's invasion in Ukraine, which nearly threatened to end Usyk's rematch against AJ. Usyk bravely took up arms.
However, the March star for pound-for pound fled his home to train with Joshua in his sequel.
Eddie Hearn, promoter, was meeting with representatives from several regions who were willing to pay a lot of money to host the rematch.
Just like Joshua, 32, who avenged defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr., 32, he will travel over 4000 miles to the Saudi Desert for his revenge mission.
