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Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk ring walks: What time will fight start in the UK?

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Anthony Joshua is set for his biggest fight on British soil in almost three years when he takes on the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk at a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.

Joshua defended his WBO, WBA and IFB belts against Kubrat Pulev in front of a limited crowd of 1,000 fans at the Wembley Arena in his last fight last December.

The 31-year-old faced Andy Ruiz Jr in the US and Saudi Arabia in 2019, as he lost his unbeaten record in a stunning upset before reclaiming his world titles six months later.

FOLLOW LIVE: Joshua vs Usyk press conference – latest updates

Joshua has not fought in front of a capacity crowd in the UK since he defeated Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in September 2018, and he will need the full support of those inside the stadium in north London if he is to defeat the dangerous challenger Usyk.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s fight.

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When and where is the fight?

The fight is on Saturday, 25 September. It will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, with Spurs’ former ground, White Hart Lane, previously hosting heavyweight boxing with Frank Bruno defeating Joe Bugner in October 1987.

What time is the fight and when are the ring walks?

The fight will start around 10:30pm BST, though there is a chance that the results on the undercard could bring the start time up somewhat.

Expect the ring walks to come just after 10pm BST should there not be a series of early stoppages on the undercard.

What TV channel is Joshua vs Usyk on and is there a live stream?

Joshua is back on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, though the pay-per-view price is yet to be revealed. That said, it is likely to be the same as last time: £24.95.

The fight outside the UK will be available on DAZN. You can live stream both in the UK and Ireland and abroad with the Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN apps after purchasing the fight, or through a web browser on Sky Sports Box Office.

Odds

Via Betfair

Joshua: 5/6

Joshua on points: 11/4

Joshua by knockout: 5/6

Usyk: 2/1

Usyk on points: 11/4

Usyk by knockout: 13/2

Draw: 22/1

What are the fighters saying?

Joshua: “The date is set and we are fully locked in. September 25, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I put it all on the line again and it’s time to defend my crown. We are two Olympic Gold medallists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges.

“The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electric, I’m honoured to be the first person to fight in such an awe inspiring venue. The stage is set and I am ready to handle business.”

Usyk: “The path will be mastered by the walking one.”

Eddie Hearn: “Olympic Gold vs. Olympic Gold, Unified World Heavyweight Champion vs. Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion this one has it all and I can’t wait to stage this huge event in front of over 60,000 at the stunning Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.”

Prediction

AJ is flying right now and while Usyk has the skills, it remains to be seen if he has the necessary size to mix it with the three best heavyweights in the world right now, who are giants compared to some of the champions in the past. We’ll lean towards Joshua inflicting a late stoppage to retain his belts.