Eddie Hearn hopes to confirm a July date for Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk and Joshua fought back in September last year, with the Ukrainian former undisputed cruiserweight champion a surprising victor, but also a dominant one.
That has led to Usyk being considered the favourite for the rematch demanded by Joshua, and while it had originally been expected for earlier this year, Usyk returned to his homeland after Russia’s invasion at the end of February.
A summer clash is now expected in a fight that could precede an undisputed clash between the winner and Tyson Fury before the end of the year, if the WBC champion does not go through on his threats to retire from boxing.
Speaking to The DAZN Boxing Show, Matchroom boss Hearn said that he hoped to be able to confirm a late July fight in the next couple of weeks.
“We’re gonna be in July,” he stated.
“July 23 is obviously a date that has been bandied around.
“Probably the front runner right now, that date. We’re in final negotiations with a number of sites in the Middle East and the UK. America, I don’t think this is going to take place.
“I’d like to be in a position, fight week for Canelo [Alvarez], we can give you some news.”