EDDIE HEARN has predicted Anthony Joshua will fight Oleksandr Usyk NEXT in June.
The heavyweight rematch was set to be postponed after Usyk bravely took up arms to defend Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.
Anthony Joshua could fight Oleksandr Usyk next in June
But it has since emerged that the two-weight world champion could be given special permission to leave the war by the Ukrainian Government.
And during an Instagram Live video, Hearn responded to a fan asking if AJ will fight Usyk again or take an interim bout.
The promoter responded by saying he believes the contracted rematch will be next and possibly as early as June.
Joshua, 32, was in September beaten by Usyk, 35, but the contract included an immediate second fight if he lost.
But he was forced to contemplate an interim bout after the reigning unified champ signed up to serve for his nation.
Vasiliy Lomachenko, 34, faced a similar circumstance after seeing his lightweight world title fight with George Kambosos Jr, 28, also shelved.
But the Ukrainian boxing superstars could be given a grant to allow them out of military duty.
Bob Arum told Fanatics View: “The Ukrainian government, which is tremendous, are co-operating with us as far as Lomachenko and also Usyk.
“They realise there’s tremendous publicity value in having them come out, train and participate in title fights.
“Hopefully the war will then be over, but if it isn’t, [they will then] go back into defence mode.
“So I don’t know where that stands with either guys, whether they’re going to accept the offer of the cultural minister of Ukraine to leave and to train for fights.”
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