Anthony Joshua triggers his rematch clause with Oleksandr Usyk

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Anthony Joshua has triggered his rematch clause with Oleksandr Usyk, his promoter, Eddie Hearn has revealed.

The fight is expected to take place in March next year with Hearn claiming that the rematch will take place in Britain despite Usyk’s intentions to defend his newly-won titles in Ukraine.

Last month Joshua was beaten by decision as he faced Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and lost his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in process. 

Hearn told DAZN: ‘Today we officially triggered the rematch for Oleksandr Usyk fight, which we’ll see early next spring.

‘Back in the game and we’re looking for him to become three-time world champion.

‘A few niggles in camp for AJ, Usyk had a bad cut, it’s officially triggered, we’ll sit down with K2 Promotions and I think March is when you’ll see that fight.

‘This was a disappointing loss to a pound-for-pound great. We don’t need to get back in the game with 10-rounders, he needs to rip those belts off Usyk.’ 

Hearn told BBC Sport: ‘Usyk has mentioned Kiev in his home country Ukraine as a potential venue and we will look at all options.

‘When AJ heard about that he didn’t have an issue with it and found it quite exciting.

‘I would like to do it back in the UK and we’ve had offers from the Middle East but we will see what’s the best opportunity for both fighters.

‘I don’t think the venue makes much difference in how AJ has to fight.’