Joshua vs Usyk 2: Start time, undercard, latest odds, prediction and ring walks tonight

George Flood
·5 min read
Joshua vs Usyk 2: Start time, undercard, latest odds, prediction and ring walks tonight

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fight again in a colossal heavyweight title rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia tonight.

11 months has now passed since their first clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, when the ultra-slick Usyk delivered a punch-perfect display to dominate a dazed and sluggish champion, who relinquished the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO belts after only his second professional defeat and first since being stunned by Andy Ruiz Jr on his US debut at Madison Square Garden two years previously.

Joshua got his tactics wholly wrong in north London, foolishly trying to outbox and outwit the skilled former undisputed cruiserweight king, who triumphed via unanimous decision with scores of 117–112, 116–112 and 115–113 and came within a whisker of achieving a deserved late knockout.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW JOSHUA VS USYK 2 LIVE!

The 2012 Olympic gold medalist has since split from long-time trainer Rob McCracken and travelled in search of fresh inspiration for arguably the biggest fight of his illustrious career to date, going to America and eventually linking up with former super-featherweight world champion Robert Garcia.

The popular and charismatic Usyk has endured a difficult time since his crowning achievement last September, returning to his native Ukraine earlier this year following the Russian invasion and taking up arms by joining a territorial defence battalion in Kyiv.

Oleksandr Usyk meets Anthony Joshua in a rematch for the world heavyweight titles (Getty Images)
Oleksandr Usyk meets Anthony Joshua in a rematch for the world heavyweight titles (Getty Images)

He left back in March to prepare for his first title defence at heavyweight, where he has only fought three times as a pro, a huge bout with enormous stakes that has been dubbed as the ‘Rage on the Red Sea’.

Usyk is rightly seen in his war-torn homeland as an ambassador for Ukrainian resistance overseas and says he plans to return to Kyiv later this year.

Joshua vs Usyk 2 date, start time, venue and ring walks

Joshua vs Usyk 2 takes place tonight, on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The undercard fights are due to begin at 6pm BST UK time, which is 8pm in Jeddah. The ring walks for the main event should be around 10:30pm BST, with a precise estimated start time of 10:54pm. As ever, those times are subject to change.

Joshua vs Usyk 2 fight card/undercard in full

Chief support in Saudi comes with two final eliminators, with unbeaten Croatian Filip Hrgovic battling China’s Zhilei Zhang for the right to compete for the IBF heavyweight gold.

Liverpool’s former super-middleweight champion Callum Smith also continues his quest to become a two-weight world titlist as he takes on Frenchman Mathieu Bauderlique for a shot at the WBC light-heavyweight belt currently held by the fearsome unified champion at 168lbs, Artur Beterbiev.

Former two-divison world champion Badou Jack is also in action, as is the inspirational British-Somali fighter Ramla Ali and Great Britain’s Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo 2020 Ben Whittaker, who makes his second pro appearance.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2

Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang

Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique

Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera

Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre

Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova

Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson

Ben Whittaker vs Petar Nosic

Daniel Lapin vs Jozef Jurko

Rashed ‘Money Kicks’ Belhasa vs Traycho Georgiev

Bader Alsamreen vs Fuad Tarverdi

How to watch Joshua vs Usyk 2

TV channel: In the UK, Joshua vs Usyk 2 is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office at a cost of £26.95.

Live stream: Those who have purchased the fight can also watch it online via the Sky Sports Box Office app and website.

Live blog: You can also follow the entire card via Standard Sport’s live blog tonight.

Joshua vs Usyk 2 fight prediction

The stakes are simply massive here for Joshua, whose status among the heavyweight elite will be in severe peril if he suffers another defeat.

While there are plenty of big fights still to be had in the event that he does lose, another Dillian Whyte clash and Deontay Wilder meeting immediately spring to mind, the chance to go on and compete in a massive, money-spinning undisputed showdown against Tyson Fury - who is once again insisting to be retired having relinquished The Ring belt, which is also up for grabs in Jeddah - would disappear.

Joshua knows he got his gameplan horrifically wrong last year, and is focused on using his superior size and strength from the off this time to slow and hurt Usyk, lean hard and wear him down and potentially force an early stoppage, having marked him up a fair deal in the first bout despite not landing much.

Usyk eased to a wide points victory in the first bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Getty Images)
Usyk eased to a wide points victory in the first bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Getty Images)

But durable southpaw Usyk - whom promoter Eddie Hearn has rightly labelled as a “genius” - is just so smooth, slick, speedy and awkward, with Joshua admitting that he finds such left-handers a “nightmare”.

While Joshua’s commitment to maximum aggression, unleashing his size and power early could well do the trick, he may also risk getting knocked out himself. Expect the Briton to give a better account of himself this time but likely go down firing.

We’re backing Usyk to this time pull off the late stoppage he so nearly produced in London, having dragged his opponent into uncomfortable deep waters again.

But Joshua, don’t forget, is the self-proclaimed ‘comeback king’, with Whyte and Ruiz Jr - the latter rematch taking place in Saudi, over in Riyadh - knowing all too well about his powers of recovery.

Joshua vs Usyk 2 weigh-in results

The weigh-in for Saturday night’s card took place on Friday afternoon, with Usyk springing something of a shock.

Much of the narrative during fight week had been centred on the champion’s apparent weight gain after dropping as much as 10kg back in Ukraine and now bulkier physique, but he tipped the scales at 221.5lbs - just a quarter-of-a-pound heavier than he was for the first fight. Some had previously claimed that he had gained as much as 15kg.

Joshua, meanwhile, was four-and-a-half pounds heavier than the first bout at 244.5lbs, which was to be expected given his plan of attack this time around.

Joshua vs Usyk 2 betting odds

Usyk to win: 4/9

Joshua to win: 13/8

Draw: 16/1

Usyk to win by decision/technical decision: 2/1

Usyk to win by KO, TKO or DQ: 7/4

Joshua to win by decision/technical decision: 6/1

Joshua to win by KO, TKO or DQ: 11/4

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next

Latest Stories

  • Arizona Democrats attempt to repeal the state’s 19th century abortion ban

    For a third straight week, Democrats at the Arizona Legislature are attempting Wednesday to repeal the state's near-total ban on abortions, again spotlighting an issue that has put Republicans on the defensive in a battleground state for the presidential election. Republicans have used procedural votes to block earlier repeal efforts, each time drawing condemnation from Democratic President Joe Biden, who has made his support for abortion access central to his campaign for reelection. Arizona Republicans have been under intense pressure from some conservatives in their base, who firmly support the abortion ban, even as it's become a liability with swing voters who will decide crucial races including the presidency, the U.S. Senate and the GOP's control of the Legislature.

  • Biden tries to navigate the Israel-Hamas war protests roiling college campuses

    Student protests over the war in Gaza have created a new and unpredictable challenge for President Joe Biden as he resists calls to cut off U.S. support for Israel while trying to hold together the coalition of voters he'll need for reelection. The protests at Columbia University in New York and other campuses have captured global media attention and resurfaced questions about Biden’s lagging support from young voters. At best for Biden, the protests are a passing distraction while the White House presses forward with negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas while pushing Israel to limit casualties with more than 34,000 Palestinians dead.

  • US Senate passes bill that could see TikTok banned

    The app's owner, ByteDance, has nine months to sell its stake or face being blocked in the US.

  • Verhaeghe scores OT winner, Bobrovsky makes some fantastic saves, and Panthers top Lightning 3-2

    SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky stopped a shot with his mask, then made a diving, no-look save that they'll remember in Florida for a long time. And Carter Verhaeghe made sure his goalie's highlight-reel work came in a win. Verhaeghe — making some history of his own — lifted a backhander just under the crossbar 2:59 into overtime, and the Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Tuesday night for a 2-0 lead in their NHL first-round playoff series. “It just takes one shot in the

  • Senate passes Ukraine aid deal worth $61bn with Joe Biden set to sign legislation later

    The Senate has passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and rows - with Joe Biden set to sign the legislation later. The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelming 79-18 vote late on Tuesday after the House had approved the package on Saturday. Once signed, the president will start the process of sending weapons to Ukraine, which has been struggling to hold its front lines against Russia.

  • Supreme Court to consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans

    The Supreme Court will consider Wednesday when doctors can provide abortions during medical emergencies in states with bans enacted after the high court’s sweeping decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The case comes from Idaho, which is one of 14 states that now ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. It marks the first time the Supreme Court has considered a state ban since Roe was reversed.

  • Myanmar rebel group says it withdraws from key town on Thai border

    A spokesman for the Karen National Union (KNU) said the "temporary retreat" from the town of Myawaddy came after the return of junta soldiers to the vital strategic area that is a conduit for annual foreign trade of more than $1 billion. "KNLA troops will ... destroy the junta troops and their back-up troops who marched to Myawaddy," Saw Taw Nee told Reuters, referring to the group's armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, one of Myanmar's oldest ethnic fighting forces.

  • Carrera Eyewear’s Very Masculine Frames Are Entering the Women’s Space

    The eyewear brand owned by Safilo Group is introducing its first full-fledged women’s collection for spring 2024.

  • New Jersey is motivating telecommuters to appeal their New York tax bills. Connecticut may be next

    Telecommuting, a pandemic-era novelty that has become a permanent alternative for many people, has some Connecticut and New Jersey employees of New York-based companies questioning why they still have to pay personal income tax to the Empire State. Fed up with losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue each year, New Jersey is now offering a state tax credit to residents who work from home and successfully appeal their New York tax assessment. Connecticut is considering a similar measure.

  • Investors in Korvest (ASX:KOV) have seen incredible returns of 376% over the past five years

    The worst result, after buying shares in a company (assuming no leverage), would be if you lose all the money you put...

  • ‘Smokescreen’: officials voice concern over US plans for Gaza aid pier

    Fears Israel is influencing location of dock away from the north, where famine threat is most severe

  • ‘Kinder’ treatment for childhood brain cancer to be offered by NHS in England

    Dabrafenib with trametinib can halt growth of some tumours for more than three times as long as standard chemotherapy, study shows

  • Tommy Nicol was kind and friendly – a beloved brother. Why did he die in prison on a ‘99-year’ sentence?

    His sister says the only person he ever presented a serious threat to was himself, yet he was given an indeterminate sentence for stealing a car. The psychological torture was impossible to endure

  • Pupils in England ‘facing worst exam results in decades’ after Covid closures

    GCSE results in key subjects to steadily worsen until 2030, predicts research that blames failure to tackle impact of schools lockdown

  • Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi is 'tickled pink' to inspire a Barbie doll

    Like many little girls, a young Kristi Yamaguchi loved playing with Barbie. With a schedule packed with ice skating practices, her Barbie dolls became her “best friends.” Yamaguchi, who became the first Asian American to win an individual figure skating gold medal, at the 1992 Winter Olympics, has been immortalized as a doll for Barbie's “Inspiring Women Series,” Mattel announced Wednesday.

  • Longtime EU hopeful North Macedonia holds presidential polls centered on bloc accession, rule of law

    Presidential elections are being held Wednesday in North Macedonia, a small Balkan country that has orbited the European Union for nearly two decades with little to show for its efforts to join the 27-nation bloc. A second round of voting is almost certain to follow on May 8 — coinciding with parliamentary elections — as no candidate is expected to exceed the 50% threshold required for outright victory. Seven candidates are running for the largely ceremonial position, with the brief campaigning period focusing on EU accession, the rule of law, fighting corruption and reducing poverty.

  • Q1 2024 Old National Bancorp Earnings Call

    Q1 2024 Old National Bancorp Earnings Call

  • Rodgers' grand slam sparks Rockies over Padres 7-4 for 2nd win in 10 games

    DENVER (AP) — Brendan Rodgers hit a go-ahead grand slam in a five-run fourth inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 7-4 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games. Colorado trailed 4-1 before Rodgers' first career slam, a drive into the left-field bleachers on an up-and-in fastball from Michael King (2-2) with an 0-2 count. Rodgers had not homered since Sept. 29 — he hit all four of his homers last year in a 10-day span. King allowed six runs — four earned — eight

  • Bobrovsky makes incredible save during Panthers-Lightning playoff game

    SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky's back was turned to the play. He didn't have his stick. He couldn't see the puck. No problem. The Florida goalie pulled off perhaps the save of the year on Tuesday night, stoning Tampa Bay's Matt Dumba late in the second period to preserve a 2-2 tie — and his heroics were rewarded when Carter Verhaeghe scored in overtime to give the Panthers a 3-2 win over the Lightning in Game 2 their NHL first-round playoff series. Bobrovsky explained it thusly: “Desperat

  • Stock market today: Nikkei leads Asian gains follow Wall Street rallies

    HONG KONG (AP) — Asian shares rose on Wednesday, led by an 2% gain in Japan’s Nikkei 225 after U.S. stocks rallied for a second straight day Tuesday, blunting the blow from what’s been a rough April. U.S. futures rose while oil prices edged lower. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 2.1% in morning trading to 38,337.23, with the yen hovering at 34-year lows during the week. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3% to 7,705.70 following the release of a fifth consecutive quarter of decelerating in