Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk likely fight date revealed as Eddie Hearn admits bout could take place outside of UK

ANTHONY JOSHUA is expected to rematch Oleksandr Usyk by April but the fight venue is still being considered. AJ immediately invoked his right to an immediate rematch after losing the WBA, IBF and WBO titles in September. He has since been in America potentially trailing new coaches to add to his team ahead of his […]

ANTHONY JOSHUA is expected to rematch Oleksandr Usyk by April but the fight venue is still being considered.

AJ immediately invoked his right to an immediate rematch after losing the WBA, IBF and WBO titles in September.

Reuters

Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is expected to rematch Oleksandr Usyk by April[/caption]

He has since been in America potentially trailing new coaches to add to his team ahead of his rematch with Usyk.

Promoter Hearn told talkSPORT: “I think [the rematch] will be realistically end of March, early April.

“Both guys are probably resting, although AJ will be doing a bit more preparation because he wants to get it right.”

After shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, 32, in June 2019, Joshua, also 32, added coaches Joby Clayton and Angel Fernandez to his team.

And together with head trainer Rob McCracken, they put in place a box and move game plan which saw AJ win back the belts.

But those same tactics proved his downfall against Usyk, 34, so the former champion has looked elsewhere for guidance.

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Joshua took a trip Stateside to speak and consider adding a coach to his team to work alongside McCracken.

But no final decision had been made yet.

Hearn added: “There was a well-documented trip to America, just to look really, look, learn and see.

“I think he will go back out there towards the end of the year. We will start talking to Team Usyk over the next couple of weeks and pin down the venue.”

Joshua took redemption to Saudi Arabia the night he outclassed Ruiz over 12 rounds.

And while Hearn has previously admitted home soil is the frontrunner to host the rematch with Usyk, other options have been presented.

He said: “I would like it back in the UK. There are other options. We have had approaches to stage that fight around the world.

“But last time out was a massive spectacle and, obviously, this time is a much bigger fight.”

Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua after their fight[/caption]