Anthony Joshua will defend his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles against mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, September 25.
The British unified champion was hoping to fight for the final belt in an undisputed clash with WBC champ Tyson Fury this summer, but plans collapsed last month.
Following Deontay Wilder’s arbitration victory, the ‘Gypsy King’ instead will now face him again on October 9. As a result, the WBO ordered AJ to defend against his overdue mandatory Usyk.
“The date is set and we are fully locked in,” said Joshua. “September 25, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I put it all on the line again and it’s time to defend my crown. We are two Olympic gold medallists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges.
“The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electric, I’m honoured to be the first person to fight in such an awe-inspiring venue. The stage is set and I am ready to handle business.”
Usyk said: “The path will be mastered by the walking one.”
Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said: “Anthony Joshua is back, live on Sky Sports Box Office, in an epic evening of world heavyweight title action on September 25.
“We’ve followed Joshua’s enthralling journey since the very start – and now Ukraine’s pound-for-pound star Usyk stands in the way of AJ’s ultimate ambition of becoming an undisputed world champion.
“The unbeaten Usyk is returning to the city where he struck gold at the same Olympic Games as AJ and we know him well from that dramatic win over Tony Bellew and a breathless battle with Derek Chisora.
“I couldn’t be more delighted after working for two years to secure a spectacular heavyweight showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a stunning backdrop for fight fans as Joshua vs Usyk lights up London.”
Daniel Levy, chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, said: “This is a huge occasion for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – Anthony Joshua is an icon in the world of sport and to have him fight here in London N17, against a top opponent in Oleksandr Usyk, will be amazing for the area of Tottenham.
“This event will once again showcase the stadium’s ability to take the hosting of world-class sporting occasions to the next level – we cannot wait for September 25.”
