Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will put his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world titles on the line against Anthony Joshua in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday August 20.
One of the biggest rematches in the history of the sport, Usyk vs. Joshua 2, billed ‘Rage on the Red Sea’, will take place nearly three years on from the historic ‘Clash on the Dunes’ event at the Diriyah Arena that saw Joshua reclaim his heavyweight crowns against Andy Ruiz Jr.
Under the patronage of HRH Mohammad bin Salman and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once more as ‘AJ’ aims to exact revenge over Usyk and take his place back at the top of the heavyweight division.
Joshua was dethroned as heavyweight king by Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Usyk in September 2021 in front of over 60,000 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in on a memorable evening in boxing’s marquee division.
Since the pair’s first meeting, former undisputed cruiserweight ruler Usyk has gained further global attention after putting the rematch on hold to support his home nation on the front line during their ongoing conflict.
“I have a goal, with the help of the Lord I will complete my mission,” said Usyk.
“What a roller coaster journey, fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world for the 12th consecutive time,” said Joshua. “I won the belt, unified the division won another belt, lost the belts, became two-time unified heavyweight champion and now have my date with history set to become three-time unified heavyweight champion of the world. What an opportunity.”
Eddie Hearn, chairman, Matchroom Boxing, said: “We are thrilled to get one of the biggest heavyweight rematches in boxing history made and give Anthony Joshua the chance to reclaim what he lost in London last September. Everything is on the line for this unified world heavyweight championship bout, and it could not be a bigger contest. We know Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter and we saw that last time out, but I know Anthony Joshua is more determined than ever.”