Ukrainian government give green light for Oleksandr Usyk to face Anthony Joshua
- Joe Hewlett
- 21 March 2022
Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko have both been offered the chance to leave Ukraine by the cultural minister of Ukraine, according to Bob Arum.
Fanatics View spoke to the Top Rank promoter and fans could now see the two southpaw fighters return this year.
Arum claims the Ukrainian government believe that allowing both to make respective ring returns would be a great angle for publicity.
"Ukrainian government, which is tremendous, is cooperating with us as far as Lomachenko and also Usyk," said Bob Arum to the
Fanatics View.
"They realise it's a tremendous publicity angle for them to come out [of Ukraine] and train and participate in title fights [against Kambosos and Joshua].
Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua to become heavyweight world champion in September 2021 and now, the pair could have a potential rematch later this year.
As it stands, Joshua wants to return for an interim fight with Usyk more than likely to require three months of training. If that is the case, then November or December could be the date of the second encounter.
Joe Joyce, Luis Ortiz, Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder are four fighters who are reportedly on Joshua's fight shortlist.
Meanwhile, Lomachenko had initially agreed to take on George Kambosos for three world titles at lightweight.
Loma - the quickest male to win three world titles in as many divisions (12) - is hoping to challenge for the WBA, IBF and WBO straps and would welcome the chance to fight on June 5 in Australia.
Usyk is yet to decide but Joshua is hopeful of the fight happening this year.
