The rematch between IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk and former champion, Anthony Joshua, could take place in July, as reports have now emerged that the possibility of the fight even happening at all has not been confirmed, as contracts have not been signed yet. But Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said that the fight could take place in July as both camps are expected to sign the contract soon.

The fight has already been pushed back after it was originally supposed to happen in April. The rescheduling was as a result of Usyk’s trip to Ukraine to fight in the frontlines against the Russians in the ongoing war. Although he has since returned, he still needs to add some pounds he has lost, and that could take time.

But Hearn, in his usual manner, has assured the world that the fight could take place in July if both parties signed their contracts next week: “We are speeding up the process, but if we cannot make the official announcement next week, we may have to push back the date further.” He also said that both parties have agreed that the fight would hold on July 23, but that would only be properly confirmed when the contract has been signed.

Perhaps the only thing that is sure at this point is that the fight would hold in Saudi Arabia, which has held numerous fights in the past, including Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. that saw him reclaim his titles.

But Hearn warned that if an agreement is not reached next week, the fight might be pushed to August as there would not be enough time to finalise certain aspects of the fight, like “extra obligations of TV, press conferences and promotion.” According to him, 8 weeks is enough time to allow the fight to happen in July. Anything other than that, and the fight would have to be moved forward by a week or two.

Written by: Leon Osamor