Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight rematch battle against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk has been delayed to mid-August following a dispute over the highly-rated clash TV rights.
With a rematch slated for July 23 in Saudi Arabia, it’s now been reported that it has been delayed until mid-August due to a broadcast rights dispute between Sky and Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn.
As revealed, Sky has secured a deal with Joshua to show his date of destiny with Usyk on their Box Office platform in the UK, while DAZN – promoter Eddie Hearn’s exclusive broadcast partner – are taking the international rights.
More weeks will be required to sort out the existing issues concerning the broadcast deals as it is believed their return bout will still hold in the Middle East, a ground familiar to Joshua.
Additional time is also understood to be required to create a purpose-built stadium in Saudi Arabia fitted with air conditioning, an essential given the searing temperatures of more than 40 degrees.
The Brit is set to face Usyk for a second time this year after losing his unified heavyweight titles when they last collided back in September.
