Usyk-Joshua: 100 million from sheikhs, 30 million from TV and training in the Middle East

A month is left before the rematch scheduled for August 20 in Saudi Jida between WBA/WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Alexander Usik and former title holder Anthony Joshua. The British boxer has already arrived in Saudi Arabia, where he will spend the final stage of training, Usyk opted for the UAE. Sport Arena talks about the preparation of boxers and the financial component of the Usyk-Joshua rematch.

105 million dollars from the sheikhs

That is how much – 88 million pounds – the sheikhs of Saudi Arabia paid for the right to take revenge on Usyk – Joshua. The lion’s share of these funds will go to Eddie Hearn’s company Matchroom (the main organizer of the boxing evening in Ged). Part – should receive the company K2, representing the interests of Usyk.

At the same time, do not forget that 80 million dollars will be divided between the Ukrainian and British boxers as prize money, and Matchroom will also take care of all payments related to the organization and holding of the boxing evening, including fees to the undercard fighters (it is already known that Badu Jack and Richard Rivera in a heavyweight bout). But still, the earnings of the organizers will be pretty good.

30 million from TV

At the same time, part of the sheikh’s funds were recaptured by selling the right to broadcast. Earlier it was reported that the second Usyk-Joshua fight will be broadcast by the DAZN streaming service, which recently signed a long-term contract with the British fighter. However, according to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, his boxer’s contract with DAZN did not include a rematch with Usyk.

According to Hearn, the rights to broadcast belonged to the Saudi side, and the largest amount – about $ 30 million – was offered by Sky Sport, which will broadcast the fight. At the same time, the TV giant does not yet have the rights to show the undercard fights – this has yet to be agreed with Matchroom.

$4,500 for the most expensive ticket

This amount will have to be paid by everyone who decides to watch the fight from the premium sector in the ringside. Places in the same place, but a little further, will cost about $ 4,200.

Tickets in cheaper categories cost 1400, 1000 and 400 pounds. The cheapest tickets cost 300 hryvnia.

Joshua is already in Saudi Arabia

The former world champion has already flown to Saudi Arabia in order to undergo full acclimatization for the remaining month before the fight. In the Middle East, Joshua arrived in the company of his team and on a private jet.

International Legion Usyk

But Alexander Usik, apparently, is preparing for battle in the United Arab Emirates. Anyway, Martin Bakole, who is Usyk’s sparring partner, and Wilder’s coach Malik Scott, seen at the Ukrainian’s training camp, are posting photos on social media from BOXiQ, an elite training hall in Dubai.

By the way, the sparring partners of the Ukrainian are a real international. In addition to American Scott and Congolese Bakole, Kazakh heavyweight Nursultan Amanzholov (4-0, 3 KOs) and Pole Damyan Knyba (7-0, 4 KOs) are helping to prepare for revenge with Joshua Usik. Seen in the hall and ex-contender for the world heavyweight title Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs).

How bookmaker rates change

Gradually they straighten out. The Ukrainian remains the clear favorite of the confrontation, but Joshua’s quotes are growing. For example, if at the end of May the bets on Joshua’s win were taken at the rate of 1X2.88, then now – 1×2.8. Two months ago, Usyk’s win came with a coefficient of 1×1.44, now 1×1.58The draw comes with a coefficient of 1×21.