There are two months left before the scheduled date of the fight, but no official contracts have been signed yet.
Eight months ago, on September 25, 2021, the then WBA/WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk and lost all his titles to the Ukrainian. Seven months ago, the British boxer officially activated the rematch option included in the contract. Two months ago, on March 23, 2022, Oleksandr Usyk, who had previously entered the territorial defense to defend Ukraine from a Russian invasion, left the country to begin preparations for the fight with Joshua. Two months are left before the scheduled date of the Usyk-Joshua fight – it should take place on July 23, but so far no official papers have been signed. Let’s figure out what’s going on.
Where do boxers get ready for a fight?
It should be noted that both Usyk and Joshua have radically changed their approach to covering their training processes. If before their first fight, the Ukrainian and the Briton actively published photos from training halls, camps, some squeezes from sparring, but now there is no such thing.
In principle, this is understandable. The usually active and medial Joshua does the same as after his first loss in his career from Ruiz: firstly, apparently, without being distracted from the training process, and secondly, quite likely, trying not to give his opponent too much information.
The second point also applies to Usyk’s actions. As mentioned above, Alexander left Ukraine in March. At first, the Ukrainian was in the Czech Republic, where he held small impromptu master classes, attended a rally in support of Ukraine. These are Alexander’s last “authorized” locations. More news about the place of preparation, as well as its course, is not yet available.
As for Joshua, then, according to unofficial information, the Briton is preparing for a fight in Dubai, which is not surprising. Anthony used to spend some part of the preparation for fights in the UAE from time to time, and the rematch with Usyk should take place in the Middle East – in Saudi Arabia or in the same Emirates.
Where can the fight take place?
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, whose company handled the first fight and is likely to take on the lion’s share of the responsibility for organizing the rematch, said that two options were considered for the venue for the second bout between the British and the Ukrainian – London and Saudi Arabia. Now they are talking about Ed-Diriya in the UAE.
The first one did not suit Usyk’s team, despite the Ukrainian’s love for the British boxing public and England itself. Yes, and giving an opponent, and now not a champion, but an additional trump card in the form of a home arena, is somehow not handy.
Plus, a very important issue is the prize fund of the fight and possible fees. Saudi sheikhs are ready to offer much more than boxers could earn in England. Everyone received confirmation, by the way, during Joshua’s rematch with Ruiz: if for the first fight with the Mexican, which took place in the USA, Anthony received about 22 million pounds, then for the second – more than 70. Paid broadcasts of the Usyk-Joshua rematch, I think, will be sold regardless of the venue of the fight. Moreover, for Britain and Europe, the potential time for the fight in Saudi Arabia fits perfectly or the UAE.
How much do boxers earn?
According to Usyk, in the first fight with Joshua, he earned about 3 million pounds, and – before taxes. Joshua’s fee, based on information from the British media, amounted to 15 million pounds. But then, the distribution of prize money was clearly in favor of the champion, even the proportions of 80% to 20% in favor of Joshua were called (the above figures confirm this).
No one knows what conditions were prescribed for the rematch. However, it can be assumed that they will be at least 50% to 50%. Although, for example, even in a rematch with Joshua, the same Ruiz received all the same 20%. It must be admitted deservedly – the Briton was the main star of the battle, and at that time the most attractive world champion in terms of marketing. Plus, do not forget that the defeat of Joshua in the first fight with the Mexican looked like a real sensation.
With Usyk, the situation is different. Firstly, Usyk is in itself a big figure in professional boxing. Secondly, interest in him after the first fight with Joshua and the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine has only grown. Thirdly, Usyk took Joshua apart in the first fight and is the favorite in the rematch.
If we take as a basis the prize fund of the Joshua-Ruiz rematch – about $ 100 million and the distribution of fees in the proportion of 50% to 50%, the amount can turn out to be very solid. But again, these are just guesses.
Who do the bookmakers bet on?
Usyk’s confident performance in the first fight and the complete declasse of the Briton of Ukrainians made Oleksandr the favorite of the rematch. According to experts, Joshua, even taking into account all the factors, it will be difficult to pick up the keys and deal with the Ukrainian.
It is not surprising that Usyk is now the bookmaker’s favorite. Bets on his victory are accepted at the rate of 1×1.44whereas for Joshua’s win – 1×2.88. A draw comes with a coefficient of 1×28.
PS According to the boxers’ promoters, the date and time of the Usyk-Joshua rematch should be announced this week – before May 31.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
