ANTHONY JOSHUA'S rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is still set to go ahead despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Eddie Hearn.
The pair are set to go toe-to-toe for a second time this year – with April tipped as the most-likely date.
But Usyk has recently been spotted clutching a machine gun in his home country of Ukraine after Russia invaded last week.
AJ's promoter has been fielding questions over whether the fight will be able to go ahead.
But Hearn isn't worried about that, suggesting the fight WILL go ahead as planned as Usyk aims to defend his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts.
Hearn told iFL TV: "People keep saying will this affect Oleksandr Usyk (against Joshua)…
"I can’t tell you what Oleksandr Usyk is thinking in his mind.
“For me, the answer is no… I would guess Usyk will start camp in about four weeks' time.
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"(Russia-based) Dmitry Bivol who will start camp (for Canelo Alvarez fight) in Los Angeles this weekend or on Monday…
"If that’s what’s required of Usyk, he will do the same.
“It’s a very sensitive subject and I can’t tell you what certain individuals are doing when their country is at war.
"But I don’t expect it to have any bearing on Anthony Joshua versus Oleksandr Usyk."
When asked again if it would have any bearing on AJ vs Usyk, Hearn continued: "I think no.
"But again it’s a sensitive issue. Your country is at war.
"You’ve seen Wladmir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko talking about going to fight in the army. Wow.”
Over the weekend, married dad-of-three Usyk pleaded with Russia to stop the war.
In an Instagram video the devout Orthodox Christian said: “Good morning to everybody. My name is Oleksandr Usyk. I’d like to speak to the people of Russia.
“If we consider ourselves as brothers, Orthodox ones, do not send your children to our country, do not fight with us.
“Also I’m addressing this to the President, Vladimir Putin. You can stop this war.
“Please just sit down and negotiate it with us without claims.
“Our kids, wives, grannies are hiding in the basements. We are here in our own country, we cannot do it any other way.
"We are defending. Stop this war, stop it. No War.”
Joshua has since set his rivalry with Usyk aside in a message of support.
AJ said: "I’ve learned sports and politics go hand in hand.
"They are powerful voices and it is good they are speaking up.
"They are not pushing for war, they are saying let’s find peace so good luck to them."
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