Had Participated In Defending The State In War Against Russia, Oleksandr Usyk Was Allowed To Leave Ukraine To Prepare For Duel Against Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk (Instagram @team_usyk)

JAKARTA – World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has received permission from the Ukrainian Sports Minister to leave his country to begin preparations for his rematch against Anthony Joshua.

Usyk and Joshua are scheduled to meet in the ring in the middle of this year. However, the duel between the two is expected to be canceled because Usyk is currently defending his country against Russia.

However, recent information says that Usyk has received a training permit so that he can leave Ukraine even in a war situation. Especially the law allows it because he still has small children.

"That's true. Usyk moved to his training camp in Europe," a source told SunSport as quoted by The Sun, Wednesday, March 23.

However, Usyk is currently in for two options as boxer Vasyl Lomachenko refuses to leave Ukraine for the fight against George Kambosos in June.

Lomachenko's refusal to make Usyk's decision remains unclear. Will he follow in the footsteps of his compatriot or choose to go to training to create a rematch against Joshua.

Earlier this week, renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn predicted that Usyk would be ready to face Joshua in June. Usyk is not expected to be affected by Lomachenko's decision.

"Is AJ vs Usyk happening now? I really think it's happening. I really think the next fight will be in June," said Hearn.

Usyk is a world champion who holds four WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts. He got all the belts after overthrowing Joshua through a unanimous victory on 26 September 2021 at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, England.

After that victory, Usyk was said to be going into the ring against Tyson Fury to win the title of true heavyweight champion. However, the duel was canceled because Joshua was said to not want to release his re-fight clause.