Los 40 USA
NewslettersSign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

BOXING

Boxing: Anthony Joshua triggers Oleksandr Usyk rematch clause

Anthony Joshua is set to get his chance for revenge against Oleksandr Usyk, who dethroned him as WBA, WBO and IBF champion in September.

Update:
Boxing: Anthony Joshua triggers Oleksandr Usyk rematch clause
Getty Images

Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Anthony Joshua has activated a rematch clause against Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight championship.

Joshua lost belts to Usyk in September defeat in London

Joshua was dethroned by Usyk, who was crowned WBA, WBO and IBF champion after a unanimous points decision victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on 25 September.

"Back in the game"

Now 24-2, having also suffered a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 before winning their rematch, Joshua is set to step into the ring again with Usyk next year.

"Joshua is training now, and today we officially triggered the rematch for the Oleksandr Usyk fight, which we will see early next spring," Hearn told DAZN.

"So back in the game and looking for him to become a three-time heavyweight champion."

Joshua had been tipped for a long-awaited duel with Tyson Fury next year before his upset at the hands of Ukrainian opponent Usyk.

Fury defeated Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas on Saturday as they concluded a contentious trilogy – the former had won the second bout following a draw.

"As I said, I'll fight Tyson Fury, Wilder, without the belts. The belts are fun. It's great, it's legacy. But with or without the belts, I'll fight whoever," Joshua said after his loss to Usyk.

"The road to undisputed is a nice title to have and a nice title to chase.

"But would you still watch it, without the belts? That's the main thing – is you've got two competitive fighters in the ring from UK soil, that just want to go toe-to-toe."