Oleksandr Usyk Vs. Anthony Joshua 2 Confirmed, Will Take Place On August 20 In Saudi Arabia

​The blockbuster rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua for the unified world heavyweight championship has officially been confirmed.

Usyk vs. Joshua 2, billed as 'Rage on the Red Sea', will take place on August 20 in Saudi Arabia. 

The Ukrainian will make the first defence of his world heavyweight titles after capturing the WBA (super), IBF and WBO​ belts in their last meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Usyk beat the British star by unanimous decision last September. 

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn called Usyk vs. Joshua 2 'one of the biggest heavyweight rematches' in boxing history. 

"We are thrilled to get one of the biggest heavyweight rematches in boxing history made and give Anthony Joshua the chance to reclaim what he lost in London last September," he said. 

"Everything is on the line for this Unified World Heavyweight Championship bout and it could not be a bigger contest.

"We know Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter and we saw that last time out, but I know Anthony Joshua is more determined than ever.

"It was a huge success to host Anthony Joshua’s contest with Andy Ruiz Jr. in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019 and we are looking forward to working with the country again to stage this historic event.

"So, no doubt all eyes of the world will be on the ring come Saturday August 20th. This is a story of redemption, and the countdown starts now."

'AJ' will attempt to reclaim the world heavyweight titles after suffering his second professional defeat to Usyk last year.

It will be his second outing in the Middle East having fought Andy Ruiz in Diriyah in December 2019.