Anthony Joshua to fight Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September

British boxer will face former undisputed cruiserweight champion in London

Anthony Joshua lands a punch on Kubrat Pulev during the British fighter's victory at Wembley Arena in December 2020.

Anthony Joshua celebrates winning his fight against Bulgarian fighter Kubrat Pulev.

nthony Joshua celebrates winning his fight. Reuters

Anthony Joshua celebrates his victory.

Pulev feels the power of Joshua's punch.

Anthony Joshua, left, throws a punch at challenger Pulev.

Joshua celebrates after beating challenger Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena.

Joshua goes on the attack.

Joshua looks across as challenger Pulev takes a standing count.

Anthony Joshua in action against Kubrat Pulev.

Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is to put his belts on the line in a September fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

The IBF, WBA and WBO title holder will take on mandatory challenger Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on September 25, it was announced on Tuesday.

Usyk previously was undisputed champion at cruiserweight before stepping up to the heavyweight division. The Ukrainian has since recorded wins over Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora.

Last time Joshua was in the ring, the British fighter produced a devastating finish to knock out Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev near the end of the ninth round at the Wembley Arena in December.

“The date is set and we are fully locked in,” said Joshua. “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.”

Joshua, 31, had been hoping for an undisputed clash with Tyson Fury this summer, with the fight seemingly signed and sealed and set to take place in Saudi Arabia.

But but an American arbitrator ordered WBC champion Fury to instead fight Deontay Wilder for a third time and that bout will now take place on October 9 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.