The world heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua will not take place on July 23 according to The Telegraph.
With updates on the when and where for the rematch being reported each week fans have been patiently waiting for the big announcement. And now it seems like they may have to hold out for a little bit longer.
Gareth A. Davies’ story reveals that broadcast issues and the venue are the central points to why the fight will be delayed.
Sky Sports Head of Boxing Adam Smith has frequently told Boxing Social that he fully expects Joshua to sign a new deal with them. The British heavyweight has been a pay-per-view fighter for the majority of his career and his second fight with Usyk would take place on Sky Sports Box Office once again. However, DAZN, hold the international rights for ‘AJ’ meaning it could take a further two or three weeks to navigate through these matters putting an end to any hope of the July 23 date being met.
With the fight set to take place in the Middle East additional time is also needed to finish building the purpose-built stadium for the event.
The news comes 24 hours after it was revealed that Joshua is set to announce Robert Garcia as his new trainer. The two-time heavyweight champion is looking for a new approach to dethrone Usyk and having spent time with many candidates to replace Robert McCracken it looks like he has settled with the 47-year-old ex-fighter.