Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk in March says Eddie Hearn

By Boxing News - 10/22/2021 - Comments

By Barry Holbrook: Anthony Joshua will be looking to reclaim his IBF, WBA & WBO heavyweight titles from Oleksandr Usyk next March, likely in the UK, says his promoter Eddie Hearn

He’s fielding offers to find a location to stage the rematch between the unbeaten Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) and Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) but the UK is where he wants it.

With it being so crucial for Joshua to win, it’s not likely that Hearn will be as money-focused in staging the fight as they were for when he fought a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019.

Joshua could afford to stage the fight away from the UK against the chunky Ruiz because it was a guy that he and his team were confident that they could beat in a rematch.

It’s a different story with Usyk. He’s too talented for Joshua to take the chance of fighting away from home in the UK. In other words, Joshua needs ever advantage he can get.

Joshua NOT replacing McCracken

“He hasn’t split from Rob McCracken, he hasn’t decided that he’s going to join another trainer,” said Eddie Hearn to iFL TV.

Image: Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk in March says Eddie Hearn

“I think he’s just trying to learn, he’s trying to look at his setup, trying to look at ways to improve and he’s working.

“He’s out there, putting the work in now every day getting ready for the rematch. He knows he must win this fight. It’s just a case of taking in information.

“That wasn’t the reason for the trip. It wasn’t, ‘I’m going to America to find a new trainer. It was just, ‘I want some time away.’ He chilled out a little bit He went to a couple of gyms.

“He obviously went to see Canelo and met with Eddy Reynoso and Ronnie Shields.

“It wasn’t to go meet different trainers. It had more to do with the setup of where he trains as well.

“Does he need a new environment to train? Does he need a new energy, I suppose. He’s making sure he’s in the position to win this fight, and he’ll leave no stone unturned,” said Hearn.

This is surprising news from Hearn about Joshua NOT looking for a new  trainer because he had everyone fooled this week with his visits to a handful of American trainers. Hearn says Joshua isn’t looking to replace McCraken. He’s just checking out different trainer’s setup.

Joshua-Usyk 2 in March

“I think March is realistic, yeah March, around March,” said Hearn when asked when the Joshua vs. Usyk 2 rematch will take place. ”

“It’s a huge fight and there will be a lot of people wanting to stage it, but I would like to do it back in the UK.”

“Team Usyk is very happy to take the rematch. They’re going to make a huge amount of money and they believe they’re going to win the fight. For AJ, there is no other fight. He’s seen comments from people.

“‘Step aside this, step aside that.’ Absolutely not in a million years. He’s fit, and while he’s fit, strong and focused as he is, there’s only one fight [Usyk] that he has his mind on,” said Hearn about Joshua being dialed in to take the rematch with Usyk.

March is a date that Hearn already said for when he plans on staging the Joshua vs. Usyk 2 rematch. But even if it were April or May, it’s close enough for fans to be eager to see this fight.

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