Saudi Arabia could host Joshua vs. Usyk rematch

British heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua (R) and Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk exchange punches during a heavyweight boxing match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. (File/AFP)
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Updated 29 March 2022
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Saudi Arabia could host Joshua vs. Usyk rematch

  • The Kingdom is fast becoming a go-to place to host major boxing matches
  • Ukrainian Usyk was fighting in his country’s army until recently, but is now preparing for his rematch

LONDON: Saudi Arabia could host the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua rematch in late June, according to Ukrainian promoter Alexander Krassyuk.

Ukrainian Usyk is set to face Anthony Joshua after beating the Brit last year for the title of unified heavyweight champion.

Their much-awaited rematch could take place in Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi is the place we are in discussions with at the moment,” Krassyuk told BBC Sport.

“Late June is the date we are looking at. Nothing has been confirmed on paper. We are working on it.”

Saudi Arabia is believed to be the front-runner, but Krassyuk has not ruled out the rematch taking place elsewhere.

“There are other options, but we take it step by step,” he added.

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in its sporting and entertainment industries, and has hosted a series of high profile sport events in recent years, including boxing matches.

Joshua, 32, could return to Saudi Arabia having regained his world title belts by beating Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr. in Riyadh in December 2019, after being knocked out by the Mexican in a shock knockout defeat six months earlier.

The fight had originally been billed for May, but was pushed back to allow Usyk, 35, to fight for the Ukraine army against Russian forces in the country.

Usyk left Ukraine on March 23, and confirmed two days later that he had begun to prepare for his fight with Joshua.


Ronaldo strikes first as Al-Nassr maintain the pressure on Al-Hilal

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Ronaldo strikes first as Al-Nassr maintain the pressure on Al-Hilal

  • 3-0 away win over Al-Kholood narrows the gap on Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal to 3 points at top of the Saudi Pro League

DUBAI: Al-Nassr beat Al-Kholood 3-0 on Friday to cut Al-Hilal’s lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to just three points.

The Yellows moved into second place on 43 points from 18 matches, ahead on goal difference of Al-Ahli, who beat Al-Ettifaq 4-0 on Wednesday. League leaders Al-Hilal could only manage a 2-2 draw at Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.

After a goalless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the visitors two minutes after the break, following an intricate passage of play that concluded with fellow Portuguese forward Joao Felix setting him up from close range.

Al-Nassr’s second came courtesy of another Felix assist, when his corner was headed home firmly by Mohammed Simakan in the 53rd minute.

Felix himself came close to scoring what would have been one of the goals of the season, but his improvised “rabona” attempt was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani.

The home side were reduced to 10 men when Hatan Bahbri was sent off after 72 minutes, before Kingsley Coman wrapped up the scoring a few minutes from the end from the penalty spot.

In Friday night’s other match, home side Neom beat Damac 3-0 to move into ninth place, while the visitors languish in 16th.

Earlier, Al-Taawoun held onto fifth spot in the table with a 1-0 home win over Al-Okhdood, while the visitors remain in trouble in 17th place, second-bottom of the SPL standings.