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Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk leaving Ukraine to prepare for Anthony Joshua rematch

Oleksandr Usyk leaving Ukraine to prepare for Anthony Joshua rematchDAZN
The unified heavyweight champion is leaving one fight to prepare for another.

Anthony Joshua was thinking about taking an interim fight if three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk decided to stay in his native Ukraine to help fight in their war against Russia. The former two-time unified heavyweight titlist no longer has to consider that option.

Usyk took to his Instagram on Friday to say he's leaving the country to prepare for the Joshua rematch. It is unknown when the fight will occur.

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"I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua," Usyk said. "A large number of my friends support me. All the rest of the good and peace. Thank God for everything."

When Usyk joined the Ukrainian defense battalion, it was unknown when the Joshua bout would occur. Names brought up to face Joshua were Deontay Wilder, Luis Ortiz, Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce. However, there was an exception found in Ukraine's law that says you can leave the country if you have three children under the age of 18, which Usyk does.