World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and challenger Anthony Joshua went face-to-face for the ultimate time earlier than struggle week for his or her rematch.
The pair have been cordial as far as they went via pre-fight promotion following the announcement of their second struggle this week.
Usyk and Joshua face off
Usyk, the consummate skilled, is laser targeted. Joshua, for his half, appears as if he has the load of redemption on his shoulders.
Not many within the sport consider AJ can pull off a shock revenge mission. This reality alone ought to give him all of the motivation he wants.
The final Jeddah face off till struggle week 👀
🎥 #UsykJoshua2 promo shoot 🔥#RageOnTheRedSea pic.twitter.com/yRIGbCYZjA
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 23, 2022
The official countdown to one of many largest Heavyweight rematches within the historical past of the game has began with Usyk dealing with off with Joshua within the coastal metropolis of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
They started a two-city Usyk vs. Joshua 2 promotional tour throughout Jeddah and London. The 2 colossal fighters of the game went toe to toe because the solar set above the gorgeous Purple Sea.
Sport washing
Promoter Eddie Hearn took the chance to defend the struggle in opposition to sport washing accusations from Amnesty Worldwide and others in opposition to the hosts.
“‘Rage on the Purple Sea,’ August twentieth in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It has been a very long time coming,” mentioned Hearn.
“Again in 2019, we noticed Anthony Joshua rematch Andy Ruiz and regain his World Heavyweight Championships in Riyadh. It was an incredible occasion.
“After all, the boxing world and the sporting world slowed proper down via the COVID pandemic.
“Now we’re again, lengthy overdue. We’re delighted to carry what’s the largest struggle within the Heavyweight division, one of many largest fights in world boxing, to the Kingdom in August.
“We’re delighted to be joined by not simply Workforce ‘AJ,’ with Anthony Joshua, former two-time Heavyweight Champion, and his nice coach Robert Garcia.
“Additionally, the Champion Oleksandr Usyk, the unified Heavyweight Champion, the previous Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion. And his supervisor Egis Klimas and his promoter Alex Krassyuk.”
Saudi Arabia
He added on the selection of Saudi Arabia, “We’ve heard so much concerning the progress of boxing right here in Saudi Arabia. It’s one thing that is essential to us as followers of the game.
“It’s superb to carry large high-profile fights to The Kingdom. However even higher to witness the expansion of boxing right here in The Kingdom, to see these nice fighters encourage the following technology.
“Everyone knows Oleksandr and Anthony are two nice examples of what boxing can do for an adolescent. The way it can change and the way it can form their lives.
“We actually consider that boxing is an incredible strategy to form and mildew the lives of people and to show all of them the issues which can be in vital in life.
“It teaches self-discipline, respect, and health. Additionally, psychological well-being, being a part of a workforce, being a part of a group. We really feel very strongly that boxing can try this.”
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