OLEKSANDR USAYK has fled Ukraine in preparation for his rematch against Anthony Joshua.
Before Russia invaded his homeland KO'd initial plans, the Ukrainian was set to clash again with AJ in the spring.
Usyk, aged 35, was back in his homeland last month
Joshua, who is 35 years old, returned home to help on the frontline, while Usyk was 35.
Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin looked good for a fight with Joe Joyce in the interim, but Usyk's return from training has put an end to talk of another opponent.
Usyk used social media to confirm his return to boxing. He wrote on Instagram: "I decided that I would start preparing for a fight with Anthony Joshua.
"A large number my friends support and cheer me on, peace and goodwill."
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"Thank God for everything
"
The team of Usyk and AJ have resumed discussions over last week's rematch.
Yaroslav Lordkipanidze, Usyk’s manager, confirmed that his client had left Ukraine and told AFP: "He went overseas to prepare for the rematch."
He said that his man had "several days" left the frontline, but he did not confirm his current location.
SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGSJoshua and Usyk are likely to rematch in June. However, Joshua's final destination is still unknown.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter, revealed that the Matchroom chief wanted the fight to be held in the UK despite having received offers from the Middle East as well as the US.
He stated that he had received four to five offers from all over the globe.
"It's effectively split fight, so they're going want to know which offers are being made to stage the fight.
"We would love to do it in the UK but there have been many big offers to make it happen abroad.
"We have received offers from the Middle East. There are a few countries in the Middle East. America and the UK.
"So we should sit down with Alex Krassyuk and discuss these offers and decide which one we want to pursue.
"We want the fight before June ends, so it would probably be mid-to-late June. The latest would be July 2, the first Saturday of July."
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