It was expected and now it is officially official. Alexander Usik will defend his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua in a rematch on August 20 against Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The official announcement did not include details of the broadcast, but since Joshua recently signed a major partnership agreement with DAZN, it is expected that it will be broadcast on a normal DAZN in most territories, probably including the US, and DAZN pay-per-view in United Kingdom.
This is again not official. There is a chance to be at the DAZN PPV in the US; Top Rank and ESPN recently tested PPV on Saturday afternoon in the United States for Fury vs. Whyte in April, and if they think they can make enough extra money from it, it could happen.
The publication also has a very short quote from Usik, who simply said: “I have a goal, with the help of God I will complete my mission!”
Usik (19-0, 13 KOs) upset Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) last September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. Joshua will work with new coach Robert Garcia for this match.
“What a roller coaster ride, a battle for the world heavyweight title for the 12th time in a row,” Joshua said. “I won the belt, the combined division won another belt, I lost my belts, I became a two-time single heavyweight champion and now I have a date with my history to become a three-time single world heavyweight champion. What a possibility.
“A consistent level of combat championships has its pros and cons, but I decide to get stronger every day, learn from my experience and grow. The lucky fighter is a dangerous fighter, and I am the happiest and most motivated person I have ever been. “
The event is called “Rage of the Red Sea”, I guess, because boxers still think there is a chance to win marketing gold like “The Rumble in the Jungle”, etc., although no one will use this as a hashtag.
For those interested in early odds, DraftKings Sportsbook currently has Usik as the -215 favorite, with Joshua at +175.
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