Oleksandr Usyk Reaches Agreement to Leave Ukraine to Begin Preparations for Joshua Rematch

• Oleksandr Usyk has been granted permission to leave Ukraine in his bid to prepare for Anthony Joshua’s rematch
• Unified world heavyweight champion Usyk had been on the frontline for Ukraine following the Russian invasion as the war escalates
• A contract for Usyk to have a rematch with Joshua remains on the cards having beaten the Briton last September

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has agreed to leave the fight in Ukraine to prepare for his blockbuster rematch with Anthony Joshua.

Usyk had been on the frontline in his native country defending against Russian invasion after President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on their neighbours.

The world heavyweight champion had enlisted in the Kyiv Territorial Defence and he has been spotted in photos on social media clad in full military gear.

His close pal Vasyl Lomachenko is also said to be on the frontline including legendary boxing brothers Wladimir and Vitaly Klitschko.

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Daily Mail now reports that Usyk has been allowed to leave Ukraine as he was permitted by the ministry of defence.

There exists a contract that Usyk must fight Joshua for a second time in his next bout having claimed the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles from the British boxer last September.

The Ukrainian dominated the 12 rounds of the encounter and almost knocked him out in the last few seconds before settling for a unanimous-decision victory on the scorecards.

Joshua then triggered his rematch clause imminently and a London date in the summer was mooted prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Dillian Whyte blasts Joshua over loss to Usyk

Meanwhile, British heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte knocked Anthony Joshua for his loss to Oleksandr Usyk last September.

AJ lost all his belts to the Ukrainian who outboxed him in front of his home fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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It is understood that the tactics of Joshua's coach Rob McCracken was questioned during the fight against Usyk and the 32-year-old is on the lookout for a new coaching crew in the United States.

Former Common Wealth champion Whyte has played down the reports that McCracken was to blame for AJ's loss to Usky.

Could Tyson Fury help train Joshua for Usyk rematch?

Sports Brief earlier reported that John Fury, father of WBC champion Tyson, believes Anthony Joshua should accept his son's offer to train him for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

The Gypsy King made an open cheque for AJ after losing all his four heavyweight belts to the Ukrainian fighter but the Brit laughed the offer off.

On the other hand, AJ has been advised to part ways with his longtime trainer Rob McCracken after losing to Usyk.