EDDIE HEAR has acknowledged that there could be a problem with the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Uzyk rematch.
The icon of Ukraine, 35, was dethroned by AJ, 32 in September in Tottenham - with a rematch in Saudi Arabia almost immediately.
Joshua was defeated by Usyk in September, removing his WBA and WBO heavyweight belts.
We are still nine weeks away from the July 23 rerun date, and there has not been an official announcement, media tour, or confirmed venue.
The Matchroom boss also admitted that the bout could be delayed if the mega-money showdown does not get signed off next week.
Hearn stated that "There is no problem right now, but it could be delayed for a week or so if it isn't announced next week."
"The fight is happening. The 23rd is the date everyone has agreed upon and everyone is okay with. Everything will be fine if we can agree on next week.
READ MORE IN BOXING
"The fight date and time are not problems. It is about the additional obligations of TV, press conferences, and promotion.
"Eight weeks before the baby arrives feels fine, but it becomes a problem once the baby is down to seven or six weeks.
Both fighters know that media tours must be completed within the next 10-14 days. We will need to push it back for a week or so.
"If we go July 23, then we are nine week away. We need to announce next weeks, it must be next week.
SUN BINGO GET PS50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY"They will ask us to do a press tour, we would need to go to London and the Middle East, possibly even New York. So we really need to announce next Week."
Joshua has left Team GB mentor Rob McCracken and moved to Loughborough with Angel Fernandez, his assistant trainer.
Hearn previously stated that Joshua was getting out of his comfort zone to prepare for the rematch.
He has however defended his surprise decision to stay with his Spanish trainer and surround himself by stablemates. A more experienced trainer is still expected to arrive from America.
He stated that Loughborough was very different because Sheffield, the hub of British boxing is home to all fighters. Angel Fernandez is the only one who trains in Loughborough.
"There are 40-50 fighters in Sheffield, and everyone is excited when AJ walks into the gym.
He grew up there and has pictures of himself on the walls. Also, he worships there so he's in a completely different environment at Loughborough. He finds it much less formal.
"I would anticipate he'll bring in a new set to this camp, he'll announce that."
"He trains with Angel, whom he trusts, but he also knows that it is possible to benefit from having someone else in the camp."
Did you miss our previous article...
https://secondsaway.co.uk/boxing/after-centuries-of-tradition-being-abandoned-boxing-rings-have-become-square