British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua will defend his World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on September 25, his promoter announced on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
The match pits two gold medalists from the 2012 London Olympics: Joshua won the super heavyweight division and Usyk the heavyweight.
“We are two Olympic gold medalists who have fought to the top and never shied away from challenges,” Joshua said in a statement Tuesday. “The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electrifying. I am honored to be the first person to box in such an amazing facility. I’m ready”.
The mandatory WBO starting defense will fill a vacancy after Joshua’s long-awaited bout against British compatriot Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia in August was called off when a referee in the United States ordered the World Boxing Council champion to face him again. Deontay Wilder. That fight will be in October.
Renowned for his excellent footwork, hand speed and head movements, Usyk won all four of the cruiserweight belts and has a professional record of 18-0 with 13 knockouts.
But with only two wins in boxing’s top division since moving up, there are doubts about Usyk’s ability to take punches and his ability to power top heavyweights. Usyk is also 34 years old, three years older than Joshua.
Usyk’s most recent victory was a decision over Britain’s Derek Chisora in October.
