Anthony Joshua storms Saudi Arabia early for Usyk rematch

Anthony Joshua is “showing serious intentions” by arriving in Saudi Arabia a month early for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

The pair fight once again on August 20, 2022 in Jeddah, almost a year since Usyk won the unified titles in London.

The Ukrainian pound-for-pound star has been in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for his training camp, sparring the likes of Martin Bakole.

But now AJ has also made the trip over to the Middle East, a decision hailed by former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson.

And the retired boxer-turned pundit likened it to Muhammad Ali’s famous Rumble in The Jungle fight in Zaire.
Nelson told Sky Sports: “I remember when Ali did it when he was fighting George Foreman in the jungle, he was there for longer than he expected to be.

“I think, this one here, AJ has gone out there thinking he’s got to do it right.

“I’m sure he’s taken his team out, his sparring partners out there.

“It’s the best thing to do, just to get used to the heat.

“He’s got to do everything in his favour, and I like the thinking behind it.

“We can read into so many things, but it shows serious intentions, he’s out there on business, which is a must.”

Joshua, 32, suffered defeat for the first time in June 2019 against underdog Andy Ruiz Jr, 32.