Yahoo Movies Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Fight date, start time, TV channel and predictions
Anthony Joshua has bristled at the debate over his future if he loses Saturday's career-defining rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah.
Joshua is seeking to reclaim the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he lost to pound-for-pound contender Usyk through an emphatic points decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
If successful, the Briton will become a three-time heavyweight world champion having previously avenged a stoppage defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019.
Victory at the King Abdullah Sports City would likely set up a potential seismic domestic showdown with Tyson Fury, while a third professional loss would propel him below Usyk and Fury in the division's hierarchy.
With the crossroads moment beckoning, Joshua has faced repeated questions over the consequences of classy southpaw Usyk retaining the belts and the 32-year-old has hinted he could walk away.
"It's up to me at the end of the day, it's not up to anyone else what I do with my career. Do you know what I mean? It's more of a personal decision what I do with my career," he said.
"But if the game doesn't want me any more, I don't have to do this. Why do I do it? It's because it's all I know. This is my 12th consecutive world title fight. I've been in world title fights back to back 12 times.
"It happens - if you're fighting people at world level, you're meeting people of world level quality. I'm not fighting people who are below par.
"This is the third Olympic gold medallist I'm fighting. I'm fighting good fighters. I took a loss before and I came back. But if the game doesn't need me any more..."
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."
