Oleksandr Usyk is set to leave Ukraine and defend his world heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua.
AJ triggered a rematch clause just a few days after suffering defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September. However, the second bout was put in jeopardy after Usyk's homeland was invaded by Russian forces.
A few days into the conflict, the champion returned to Ukraine from an engagement in London to take up arms against those trying to destroy his country. That noble act left Joshua and the boxing world wondering what would be next for the belts that Usyk holds while he is unable to fight in the ring.
The Briton had been expecting to take part in an interim fight, with a five-man shortlist of opponents having been drawn up. One of those who looks to be in the frame is fellow Brit Joe Joyce, and it was confirmed last week that he had been officially approached about the prospect of that bout.
But an interim fight looks like it might no longer be necessary, after a report that Usyk will leave Ukraine to set up training camp in Poland. The world champion does not need permission to leave his homeland because he has three children.
Usyk had hinted that he would put his patriotic duty above his career, saying: "I really don't know when I'm going to be stepping back in the ring," he said. "My country and my honour are more important to me than a championship belt."
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And he may choose to follow in one of his compatriot's footsteps, after another Ukrainian boxer denied the chance to leave. Vasiliy Lomachenko was also given special permission to travel, but has decided to give up on a lightweight title shot and continue to fight for his country's freedom.
Lou DiBella, promoter for current champion George Kambosos Jr, told Boxing Scene : "I spoke to [Lomachenko's manager] Egis Klimas and he confirmed that Loma would not be available to fight George next. He thanked me and thanked Kambosos for giving him ample opportunity to make up his mind, and he thanked us for doing the deal in the first place.
"We had an inkling the other day, when the [Ukrainian] government had said it was okay [for Lomachenko to fight], but we didn't hear an affirmative response [from Lomachenko], we had a sense that this was likely. So, we were not shocked. But Egis confirmed today that he's gonna stay in the Ukraine.
"We commend him. We think the fight he's fighting is much bigger than boxing. And our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and with the Ukrainian people. What they're going through obviously is far more significant than any boxing match."
