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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua poses for a photo with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title belts after the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua poses for a photo with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title belts after the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Unified heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua, has not fought for six months now. After an impressive performance against Kubrat Pulev, ‘AJ’ was set to face Tyson Fury. However, that fight fell through, and Anthony Joshua will now face Oleksandr Usyk.
Earlier, the Englishman got his wish and secured an undisputed title fight against ‘The Gypsy King.’ Unfortunately for him, Fury’s rival, Deontay Wilder, won his arbitration. Thus, Fury had to face ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and abandon the Joshua fight. However, we now have a potential return date for ‘AJ.’
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 12: Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine walks to the ring before his Heavyweight bout against Chazz Witherspoon at Wintrust Arena on October 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Kevin Iole from Yahoo! Sports was the first to report the news about Joshua’s return. He took to Twitter to confirm that September 25 would be the date for ‘AJ’ to defend his belts against the Ukrainian.
This news comes as a result of the WBO ordering ‘AJ’ and his team to face Usyk after the Fury fight fell through. Moreover, we already know that the two will fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Sources: Joshua-Usyk will be Sept 25 in UK
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) June 9, 2021
Thus, it appears Joshua will face Usyk on September 25, in his home city. So although it is more than a month later than the initial date, fans can look forward to seeing Anthony Joshua back in action soon.
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Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Olympic Champions meet professionally
Ever since his move up to heavyweight, experts have tipped Usyk to be the one to beat Joshua and Fury. And after just two fights in the division, we will get to witness Usyk test himself against the champion.
In addition, this bout will go down in history. The meeting between Joshua and Usyk will be only the second time since 1984 that the Olympic Gold Medalists in the Super-heavy and heavy categories from the same games will meet in the ring.
A win for Joshua ensures he can still face Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, a win for Usyk will give him the chance to become undisputed in two divisions.
What do you make of this news surrounding Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk? Do you think September is too late?
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