By Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua is hoping to reclaim his heavyweight titles from Oleksandr Usyk as the duo prepares to meet again on August 20.
The rematch, tagged ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ and billed to hold in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will see Usyk defend the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) titles he claimed from Joshua after beating him in London.
The Ukrainian outclassed Joshua to win by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
Two-time world champion Joshua will fight in Saudi Arabia for the second time, having beaten Andy Ruiz Jr. in the kingdom in December 2019 to reclaim the same belts.
Meanwhile, Usyk who has been in camp for the rematch hopes to repeat the feat he made in their first encounter. He recently left the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv where he was involved in defending his country from the invading Russians, as part of the Kyiv Territorial Defense force.
“I have a goal,” he said, “with the help of the Lord I will complete my mission.”
For Joshua, it’s another opportunity to be world champion again. Amid preparation for the rematch, the British-Nigerian boxer has changed trainers.
“Fighting championship-level, back to back, has had its pros and cons, but I decide every day to get stronger, to learn from my experiences and grow,” the 32-year-old said.
“A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and I am the happiest and most motivated I have been.”
