Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk is due to fight Anthony Joshua in May or June however the fight may not happen as Usyk can no longer return to his training base after Russia invaded Ukraine due to Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The world champion landed in the UK this week for further talks with Joshua. A fight in Kiev was unlikely anyway but is now completely out of the question.
Oleksandr Usyk’s preparations for his rematch with Anthony Joshua are now clouded in uncertainty following Russia’s invasion of the heavyweight champion’s homeland, Ukraine.
His promoter admitted he now had ‘no idea’ what Usyk will do ahead of the rematch. ‘But coming back to Ukraine is impossible,’ Alex Krassyuk told Sportsmail.
A source close to Joshua’s camp has insisted ‘all plans are set for the rematch’ but Usyk can no longer return to his training base on the outskirts of Kiev.
A final date and venue have yet to be decided but most details of the deal are already agreed.
The Ukrainian, who dethroned Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in September, wanted to defend his belts at home.