The world heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua is expected to take place on August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
The much-anticipated second bout between the heavyweight rivals was originally planned for July 23, but was apparently moved back primarily to allow for a full media tour to preview the event.
US outlet ESPN reported the revised date late on Thursday, adding that it would provide Joshua more time to work with new trainer Robert Garcia.
Usyk, 35, triumphed in the first meeting between the two, back in September, when he dominated Joshua to seal a unanimous decision victory and secure the Briton’s WBA, WBO and IBF belts. Joshua, 32, has since exercised a rematch clause. An indoor venue in Jeddah has been mooted to host the bout.
In lieu of the September defeat at Wembley Stadium in London, Joshua has parted company with Robert McCracken, the head trainer he worked with since taking gold at the 2012 Olympics in the English capital.
Joshua, still regarded as one of the most prominent names in the sport, last week announced a deal with streaming service DAZN, ending his eight-year association with Sky Sports.
"I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches and now a new broadcaster," Joshua said. “Negotiations at this level take time, so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want - knockouts in the glamour division."
Joshua has fought once previously in Saudi, in December 2019, when he regained his three world titles in his rematch with Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr.
Usyk, meanwhile, is returning to the ring having in March left his home in war-torn Ukraine. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion had joined the country’s defence against Russia.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
