Oleksandr Usyk confirms he is leaving Ukraine war to prepare for Anthony Joshua rematch

Anthony Joshua looks set to get his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk this summer after the Ukrainian fighter said he will leave his homeland to prepare for the fight. In a video statement on social media, Usyk confirmed reports that he had been given permission to travel abroad.

Joshua lost his world title belts to the Ukrainian last September, as he was shocked on home soil and defeated at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He wasn't expecting to wait for long for a chance to take them back, though, as within days he had activated the rematch clause in the fight contract.

However, the whole affair was thrown into doubt when Ukraine was invaded by Russia on Vladimir Putin's orders. Not long after the start of the conflict, Usyk flew home and took up arms against hostile forces.

He joined the likes of retired champions Vitaly and Wladimir Klitschko and lightweight Vasyl Lomachenko in joining the fight for freedom. After Lomachenko turned down his own chance to leave home and continue his boxing career, some thought Usyk might follow suit.

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But it seems fans will get to see that rematch this year after all, now that the world champion has confirmed he will be leaving. He is expected to set up a training camp in neighbouring Poland, setting the stage for a potential fight at some point in June or July.

Ukyk confirmed the news while speaking Ukrainian in a video, in front of a blue and yellow flag which was covered in the words "get out of Ukraine, Putin". In the caption, he wrote in broken English: "I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, a large number of my friends support me, all the rest of the good and peace, Thank God for