Eddie Hearn expects Oleksandr Usyk to fight Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight title rematch on July 23.
The Matchroom promoter has recently mentioned the date on a number of occasions as the provisional date for the Ukrainian three-belt champion and the deposed Briton to fight for the second time.
Originally a February or March date had been pencilled in, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine meant Usyk returned to his homeland to join the defence forces. However he has since been given permission by the country’s government to leave the country to train for his next fight.
Joshua had considered a tune-up fight when it was unclear if Usyk would make a prompt return from Ukraine but both boxers are now preparing to clash once more, with Usyk now considered the heavy favourite given the margin of his win in September last year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Speaking to IFL TV, Hearn said: “I think there’s a very good chance you’ll see that fight July 23 in the Middle East.
“We have had a number of offers from around the world. We have been working through those and we’re closing in on that option.
“Team Usyk have stressed that that’s the option they would prefer because obviously it’s a lot of money.
“Quite frankly I think Team Usyk would rather a neutral venue and I don’t blame them for that.
“So that’s where we’re at.
“Do we announce this week? Probably not. But do we announce next week? Almost certainly.
“You will see that fight, you will see that fight in July and you’ll get an official announcement soon.”
Hearn did not rule out Saudi Arabia as a potential venue, which would be the second time that Joshua would fight there, saying: “You’ve mentioned Saudi, it’s not definitely taking place there.
“We’ve had a number of offers from the Middle East.
“UK – obviously for the rematch is where AJ would prefer that fight to take place.
“But it’s so far out on the numbers. The US is a more lucrative site.
“But again you have to understand this fight is a financial split between Usyk and AJ.
“We can’t just go to London because it’s a home advantage for AJ when you could be talking about two or three times more money to go elsewhere.
“Usyk doesn’t care if the fight’s in London. He’d prefer it probably not in the UK, but he would prefer to make the most money possible.
“AJ would like it in the UK but just wants the rematch.
“He’s boxed in the Middle East before, he’s obviously had a great win out there and if that’s where it’s gonna take place, no problem.
“So we’re finalising that and July you will see that rematch.”