Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk set for Sept. 25 in London

Finally.

Anthony Joshua will defend his three heavyweight titles against mandatory WBO challenger Oleksandr Usyk on Sept. 25 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, it was announced Tuesday.

Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) will be making his second defense since regaining his belts from Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019. He last fought in December, when he stopped Kubrat Pulev in nine rounds.

Usyk (18-0, 13 KOS) is the former undisputed cruiserweight champion. He is 2-0 as a heavyweight, including a unanimous decision over Derek Chisora in October.

“The date is set and we are fully locked in,” Joshua said. “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 medalists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges.”

Joshua-Usyk will headline the first boxing card at stadium, which holds around 62,000 for soccer.

“The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electric,” Joshua said. :I’m honored 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 had been expected to fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship this summer in Saudi Arabia. However, an arbitrator ruled in May that a rematch clause in Fury’s second fight with Deontay Wilder was binding.

Fury and Wilder were set to fight this coming Saturday but the fight was postponed after Fury tested positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Fury’s obligation to fight Wilder a third time opened the door for Usyk to get his first heavyweight title fight, for which he has waited since moving up in weight. Negotiations began shortly after the arbitrator’s ruling.