New IBF, WBA and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk’s representatives have confirmed that Anthony Joshua has ‘activated in principle’ a rematch clause.
The deposed belt holder was immediately keen to make sure he gets a second chance in order to win back the three belts that he lost during a disappointing defeat on Saturday.
Usyk’s team hopes that they will be able to host the second bout in Kiev, Ukraine, in February.
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Usyk appeared at a press conference with his promoter Alexander Krassyuk, who announced the plans..
"The rematch was specified in the contract," Krassyuk said . "It has already been activated in principle, from the side of Joshua.
"So I remember when we discussed with Oleksandr the issue of rematch, he was delighted and said 'Wow, cool, I will beat [Anthony] twice.'"
While Eddie Hearn is not keen on a trip to Eastern Europe, Usyk defended the choice.
Usyk asked: "How does Hearn know that in February at Olympic stadium it is bad to box?
"Has he ever fought in February at the Olympic?"
