The heavyweight rematch between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk has been confirmed for August 20 and will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk dismantled the British champion in their first bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in September 2021, sealing a convincing 117-112, 116-112 and 115-13 points decision.
Now promoters Matchroom Boxing have confirmed the rematch details that has been tagged "Rage on the Red Sea".
Joshua last week announced a deal with streaming service DAZN, ending his eight-year association with Sky Sports.
“I now have my date with history set to become three-time unified heavyweight champion of the world,” Joshua said after the confirmation of his rematch with Usyk.
“What an opportunity. Fighting championship level back to back has had its pros and cons, but I decide every day to get stronger, to learn from my experiences and grow.
“What a roller-coaster journey, fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world for the 12th consecutive time.
“I won the belt, unified the division won another belt, lost the belts, became two-time unified heavyweight champion and now have my date with history set to become three-time unified heavyweight champion of the world.
“A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and I am the happiest and most motivated I have been.”
Joshua’s long-time trainer Rob McCracken has stepped away from the 32-year-old’s camp ahead of the rematch, with Angel Fernandez taking on greater responsibility and Robert Garcia also coming on board.
The London fighter has lost twice in 26 fights, to Usyk and Andy Ruiz in 2019 – but then defeated the Mexican-American in Saudi six months later.
Usyk is unbeaten in 19 professional fights, but has fought the majority of his career at cruiserweight, where he was undisputed champion.
The rematch was delayed when Usyk went back to the Ukraine to defend his country after the Russia invasion. He has since left to start preparation for the Joshua bout.
"I have a goal, with the help of the Lord I will complete my mission," the 35-year-old said.
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Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
