Anthony Joshua will need a direct rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua ‘will need’ a direct rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after dropping his world heavyweight titles in a unanimous choice loss, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO belts had been ripped away by Usyk, who accomplished a masterful factors victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.

However the British star can set off a rematch clause, establishing a second battle towards the Ukrainian.

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Promoter Eddie Hearn instructed Sky Sports activities: “It’ll be actually tough as a result of Usyk’s confidence might be sky excessive, however once you get to the extent of Anthony Joshua, as we noticed after the Ruiz defeat, there is no 10-round comeback fights and warm-ups.

“It is straight again into the fireplace and he’ll wish to go straight again into that rematch. He might be an underdog within the rematch this time after that tonight, however that is what he does.”

Joshua suffered a swelling underneath his proper eye through the closing phases of the battle, with Usyk practically forcing a stoppage within the last spherical.

He instantly returned to the dressing room to obtain medical consideration.

“It was a troublesome battle, a gruelling battle,” stated Hearn.

“He is not fairly speaking the best way you’ll count on him to speak for the time being. Devastated. He is already speaking about coaching once more.

“They wish to take a look at the attention socket. He says it is positive, however a devastating defeat.

“Clearly congratulations to Oleksandr Usyk. What a fighter. He put in an amazing efficiency tonight and the higher man received.”

Watch Joshua vs Usyk repeats on Sunday at 8am and 3pm on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace. E-book it by way of your Sky distant or book it online here. Non-Sky TV subscribers can book and watch it here.