ANTHONY JOSHUA and Oleksandr Usyk could agree their rematch THIS WEEK – so they can start bashing up some sparring partners.
The pair are closing in on a mega-money deal to fight on July 23 in Saudi Arabia.
Promoter Eddie Hearn wants to tie down a deal in the next seven days so the heavyweight stars can go full-steam ahead in training.
Hearn told DAZN: “I hope that this week we will get it done.
“July 23rd in The Middle East is, for sure, the frontrunner. It’s not done, it’s not signed, but we are nine, ten weeks away from that fight now.
“It’s ready to get that fight announced and it’s ready to let these boys start bashing up sparring partners and getting ready for the unified heavyweight championship.”
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Joshua, 32, was beaten by Usyk, 35, in September and dethroned of the unified heavyweight belts.
But he has since switched up his training team and promoted Angel Fernandez from assistant to head coach.
Alongside him in camp is former Team GB sparring partner Frazer Clarke, also cornered by Fernandez.
And the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist feels AJ has learned his lessons to mastermind rematch revenge against Usyk.
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Clarke, 31, told Sky Sports:”I think the loss has made him better. He’s opened his eyes a bit.
“It’s made him mentally better. I think he knows what he needs to do.I think he’s changed his situation, which he thinks will help him.
“He’s got a team of people that are dedicated for one thing, and that’s AJ getting the result.”
“You can’t write Usyk off, he’s an unbelievable fighter. But I’d like to think AJ’s in a place where he can go on and get this win.”
Anthony Joshua pictured after sparring with Frazer Clarke
