Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2: Eddie Hearn provides huge update

The hotly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk is one step closer to being finalised and announced as Eddie Hearn issues fresh update about the match-up.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 is looking likely to take place in Saudi Arabia, with a working date of July 23 – but that date may be pushed back to allow more time to promote.

However, if it is pushed back, it will only be by a week or two, meaning early August will be the latest possible option.

The two heavyweights fought in September last year and saw AJ lose for only the second time in his career. He lost by unanimous decision, outboxed by Usyk and gave up all four of his belts in the process.

On the other hand, Usyk remains undefeated. 19 wins from as many fights makes the Ukrainian a frightening prospect in the ring, with 13 knockouts to his name so far.

The loss saw AJ swap coaches to prepare to win back his titles, whilst Usyk headed to Ukraine to take up arms.

Read more: Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Date, Card, UK Start Time, Ring Walks, Tickets, Live Stream, Odds and More

Despite being outboxed by the Ukrainian last year, write Joshua off at your own peril. After losing to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, AJ came into the rematch a different boxer – successfully changing his style and winning back his belts.

“We have agreed to a deal for the site, and the working date of July 23,” Hearn told iFL TV in a recent interview.

“We are pretty much ready to announce. When you question about whether there will be a delay. If there is you’re talking about two weeks, and it’s for no other reason than time to make sure we can promote the fight in the right way.

“The fight is happening, the fight is agreed in terms of where it will take place and both sides have