Anthony Joshua Intends To Have Rematch, Oleksandr Usyk Plans To Spend Time With Family

A second act between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua is already expected in the coming months.

Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainan boxer, outboxed Joshua, a British boxing sensation, snatching his IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory Saturday night in London. Joshua has a rematch clause in his contract with Usyk, which his promoter Eddie Hearn expects him to execute.

“I don’t know – February, March,” Hearn said. “I mean, I’d like to do it in the UK again. But again, we’ll sit down with Alex Krassyuk and talk about [it].:

“You know, there’s already been a few people on that are interested in staging the rematch,” he added I’d like to do it in the UK. I think, obviously, that would be a benefit to AJ. I thought the atmosphere tonight was unbelievable. But again, you know, we’ll sit down with Alex Krassyuk and Egis and see what makes most sense for both guys.”

Usyk staged the upset-victory in front of a crowd of nearly 70,000 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, who roared in Joshua’s favor.

After Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) was declared the winner, Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) walked out of the ring. Hearn said after the fight that Joshua could have suffered from a fractured right eye socket.

Still, Joshua said he won’t let the loss drag him down.

Anthony Joshua confirms he still intends to fight Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, despite defeat to Oleksandr Usyk…

[📽️ @MatchroomBoxing] pic.twitter.com/VA6IuA4Kyf

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 26, 2021

Meanwhile, Usyk, the two-weight world champion, said he has his mind on other things.

“I’m not thinking about a rematch right now,” Usyk said during his post-fight interview. “I’ve been working so hard since January to prepare for this fight.”

Along with Usyk’s big win Saturday night, he was also celebrating his 12th wedding anniversary. He said he plans on spending time with his wife and children.