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Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Fight date, start time, TV channel and predictions

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 fight rematch when date fight where start time what TV channel odds how to watch live - GETTY IMAGES
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 fight rematch when date fight where start time what TV channel odds how to watch live - GETTY IMAGES

Anthony Joshua is thriving on his underdog status heading into Saturday's heavyweight rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua is seeking to defy the odds by reclaiming the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he surrendered to the Ukrainian pound-for-pound contender at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year.

Although the conclusive points defeat was a shattering setback, Hearn believes Joshua has benefited from having a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders.

"The pressure's off," Hearn said. "I know he must win, but now he's the underdog and people aren't expecting him to win.

"He's had to carry British boxing on his shoulders for years and years and that pressure has got to him. It's arduous.

"People see this guy with belts, fame and money and just presume that's a great life. But on the other foot, he's also a young man who just wants to chill out and play football with his mates in the park, go for a coffee and do all these normal things he's not able to do.

"It may not be as pleasing, exciting or entertaining, or provide as much happiness, as you might think. And he's felt a lot of that pressure over the years because it's a bubble he lives in."

What is it?

A world heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk for the IBF, WBA and WBO belts.

When is it?

The fight will take place on Saturday August 20.

What time are the ring walks?

Very much depends on the undercard, which you can view here, but fighters can be expected to enter in the Jeddah Superdome at about 10.30pm UK time.

Where is it?

The bout will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

How to watch Joshua-Usyk 2 on TV in the UK

See above: the fight will be on Sky Sports

How to watch Joshua-Usyk 2 on TV in the USA

The fight is due to start at 5.30pm EST and can be viewed on DAZN

What are the fighters' records?

Anthony Joshua: 26 fights, 24 wins (22 by knockout), 2 defeats
Oleksandr Usyk: 19 fights, 19 wins (13 by knockout), 0 defeats

What is our prediction?

Gareth A Davies, Boxing Correspondent 

If Joshua wins, it will be because he implements his gameplan of educated pressure in the early rounds and gains a stoppage in the first seven rounds. If Usyk wins, it will be by withstanding the early pressure, countering and winning on points or by late stoppage between rounds 7 to 11. If I had to bet on it? Usyk

Latest news

Anthony Joshua has mischievously forecasted a first-round knockout of Oleksandr Usyk when he attempts to reclaim his position as unified heavyweight champion in Jeddah on Saturday.

Joshua has spent the last four weeks in Saudi Arabia finalising preparations for 'Rage on the Red Sea' and on Monday he began media duties in a chaotic function room at the Shangri-La hotel.

Looking to win back the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he lost to Usyk when they first clashed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium almost a year ago, the 2012 Olympic champion looked relaxed as he painted the picture of an early-stoppage win.

"It's good to be back in Saudi Arabia. We've been here four weeks now, this is our fifth week. It feels like a second home, it's been nice," Joshua said.

"May the best man win at the end of the day. I'm praying for victory and praying for a good fight as well. I want to do it this time.

"I'm going to come out...ding ding ding round one. Good defence, thinking positive, step forward...boom boom...one-two...Usyk drops...Joshua becomes three-time champion of the world in Saudi Arabia. Life is good!"

When asked if the rematch was the biggest fight of his career, Joshua said: "Yes, most definitely. I've felt that pressure in my camp, 100 per cent. It has pushed me on."


What do you expect from the rematch? Tell us in the comments section below