Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Eddie Hearn expects announcement next week

Anthony Joshua‘s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is expected to be announced ‘next week’, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

The British superstar, 32, lost his WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles to the Ukrainian at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.

Immediately after the fight, AJ told Hearn he wanted to exercise the rematch clause in his contract and win back his belts.

As Joshua and Usyk ready to do battle again, Hearn suggested it will most likely take place in Saudi Arabia on July 23.

And it seems that will be the case after Hearn confirmed an official announcement about the much-anticipated rematch is imminent.

Hearn told iFL TV: “It’s difficult. If you ask me that question now, yes, you will get an announcement next week.

“But then tomorrow something could take a little bit longer with a contract or an escrow or whatever.

“And then all of a sudden, I’m a liar and Billy in his Transformers pyjamas plays it back to me.

“‘Look at this clip. Eddie Hearn said we’d get an announcement next week and it’s now Monday of the week after.’

“So I will do my best. But as I talk to you now, I believe you’ll get an announcement next week.”

It comes after Tyson Fury announced his retirement from boxing following his win over Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium.

However, Hearn doesn’t think that’s totally legit.

He added: “We all know Tyson Fury’s not vacating, he’s not retiring, etcetera.

“So of course they will give him time and they should give him time.

“You will next week get the official news on Joshua and Usyk, and Tyson should fight the winner, and I believe he will.

“By the way, you shouldn’t strip a fighter [for having some time off].

“It’s very easy for Tyson to go back going, ‘Look, I’m just