Oleksandr Usyk expects his rematch with Anthony Joshua to take place in the Spring of next year. The Brit has triggered his rematch clause after losing his world title belts to the Ukrainian in their heavyweight clash back in September.
Joshua plans to win back the titles he lost, much like he did following his surprising defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. Usyk is preparing to fight Joshua for the second time and has confirmed when he expects to fight the Brit.
He told the Independent: ‘The rematch is going to happen. The promoters are going to deal with the dates and everything. The nearest it will be is spring, or close to that.
‘I don’t think about my opponents or their changes. I think about myself and how I can become at least a little bit better every day.
‘I had felt amazing backstage, I enjoyed the walk to the ring… and even when I saw the crowd cheering, it didn’t matter if it was pro-Joshua or not. The night was a perfect ensemble of everything that happened that day.’
Usyk’s victory put a halt to plans for a dream British unified heavyweight bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The Gypsy King delivered his end of the bargain as he managed to defeat Deontay Wilder to end their trilogy series. Joshua will hope to put the match back on the table with a victory over Usyk, while Fury is next expected to face Dillian Whyte.
Should Usyk get a second victory over Joshua, it could instead line him up to have the unified title bout with Fury down the line.
Usyk said: ‘Of course, it’s not always good to think about another opponent when you have a fight lined up but what I like about Fury is his boxing competence.
‘Stylistically, he’s very technical. He’s educated in the ring. I think it would be a good fight, I’d have to bring my best game.’
