Anthony Joshua Vs. Oleksandr Usyk Rematch Delayed By A Month

It happened.

The rematch between unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and former champion Anthony Joshua has been pushed back to mid-August, Telegraph Sport reported.

The postponement is reportedly due to issues around Joshua’s broadcast deals with Sky Sports and DAZN.

It is expected to take another two to three weeks to iron out the issues.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, previously warned that the heavyweight world championship still needed to be finalized, but both parties had agreed to the deal.

Hearn has an exclusive broadcast deal with DAZN through his Matchroom Boxing promotion. Telegraph Sport added that additional time is needed to create a “purpose-built stadium” with air-conditioning.

Joshua is taking another shot at Usyk in order to reclaim his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles, which he lost in September by unanimous decision. The Brit didn’t take too long to trigger the contracted rematch clause with the Ukrainian boxer.

The fight is still set to take place in Saudi Arabia in the Middle East.