Much love from Anthony Joshua to Usyk over Ukraine Invasion
Anthony Joshua showed nothing but respect to Oleksandr Usyk as they shared a brief conversation after their face-off last week.
The heavyweights met for the first time since their fight at a press conference to preview their upcoming rematch on August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
As they came face-to-face again, there was a long and intense staredown, which lasted almost two minutes as neither man wanted to look away first.
Promoter Eddie Hearn made two attempts to get the fighters to face the front, but neither budged.
Then AJ pointed to the front himself, signalling for Usyk to look away.
However, the Ukrainian refused to do so.
Eventually Joshua turned his head and broke his opponent’s gaze.
While doing some further promo filming after the press conference, the pair did a second face-off.
When their second tense staredown concluded, Usyk pulled out his phone and – as they did before the first fight – the pair posed for a selfie together.
According to reports, Joshua asked Usyk about the well-being of his family.
Joshua then asked Usyk: “How’s your family?”
To which Usyk replied: “Good.”
They shook hands and AJ added:
“Everything in Ukraine – keep your head up, yeah?”
AJ
For a brief period earlier this year, it looked as if the Usyk vs Joshua rematch would be delayed.
When Russia invaded Ukraine and the war began, the champion was of course preoccupied andy certainly not focussed on boxing.
Ultimately though, Usyk was allowed to leave the country – despite martial law – as he is a father of three children.
He opted to do so and is now training in Dubai ahead of the rematch.
