Joshua-Usyk II heavyweight unification bout set on August 20

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Former boxing heavyweight unified champion Anthony Joshua will finally have the chance to redeem his belts after his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk was confirmed by promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom.

After holding the WBA, WBO, IBF, and the IBO belts for several years, Joshua lost all of them after Usyk’s masterful boxing class during their clash last September 25, 2021.

Joshua found no answers against the high-paced Usyk who landed a barrage of solid combinations for 12 straight rounds while also displaying his patent fluid head movements and footwork.

After three years, Joshua will have the chance for a shot at redemption and take back what’s his after Hearn and Matchroom boxing announced that their rematch will take place on August 20 to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“I won the belt, unified the division won another belt, lost the belts, became two-time unified heavyweight champion, and now have my date with history set to become three-time unified heavyweight champion of the world. What an opportunity,” said Joshua.

Before losing to Usyk, Joshua already suffered a heartbreaking and shocking defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr. but later on redeemed himself in the second fight.

Joshua handed Ruiz Jr. a hitting clinic and won the 12-rounder fight via a unanimous decision but would fall to Usyk in their first match a year after.

Uysk will be coming off military service in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion and will return to his training camp the moment everything is settled.

“With the help of the Lord, I’ll complete my mission. It is history in the making. Being a part of this event is a huge honor. Our country is now fighting for its heritage. Our mission is to expand its legacy. With the help of the Lord we will achieve this,” said Usyk.