If things play out in the heavyweight division as all involved intend them to, fans could be choosing between an Anthony Joshua fight or an Oleksandr Usyk unified title defence.
The two fighters have met twice in the ring in the last two years, with Usyk coming out on top over the distance on both occasions. It meant he won and retained the belts that were once ‘AJ’s, and is now in the position of defending them.
That will happen in the form of a fight with 25-year-old Brit, Daniel Dubois. Dubois has the WBA Regular belt, meaning he’s first in line for a crack at Usyk.
Purse bids for the fight were won by the Ukrainian’s team – K2 Promotions – and as part of that process they were required to provide potential dates and locations. The frontrunner is August 12 in Wroclaw, Poland.
Should that happen, it will see Usyk fight as close to his country as he has in five years – although a true homecoming fight is still out of the question given Russia’s ongoing conflict there.
It has the potential to be a very special night for the undefeated and elite operator, and he’ll enter the ring a bookmakers’ favourite.
How many eyes will be on his second title defence though remains to be seen, as Eddie Hearn is targeting a return for his man Joshua on the same night.
When going through his upcoming fight slate, the promoter told Boxing Social that August 12 was indeed the likely date for Joshua.
“We’ve got May 27th, we’ve got June 10, we’ve got July 1st. We’re probably going to go July 29 as well. AJ’s probably fighting August 12th. It’s the summer period and we’re smashing out shows left, right and centre.”
MailSport have since reported that Matchroom have London’s O2 Arena booked for the night.
Whilst an opponent is as yet unannounced, it’s believed that Dillian Whyte is first in line. He and Joshua fought back in 2015 – ‘AJ’ KO win – and have kept their rivalry alive enough to warrant a rematch.
It’s seen as a good building fight under new trainer, Derrick James, before a dangerous contest against Deontay Wilder in December.
The England and Poland main events would be separated by an hour in time difference, but fans who are keen on seeing one of two live and in-person will have to make a choice.
Joshua would box on DAZN as per his deal, a broadcaster is yet to be announced for Usyk.
Whilst booking and intentions are clear, neither of the bouts have been made official yet.