Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could take place in Saudi Arabia in June, according to the Ukrainian's promoter.

Last week, Usyk signalled his intention to defend his world heavyweight titles against Joshua by announcing he will begin preparations for their fight.

Usyk conclusively outpointed the Watford boxer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, with the Briton immediately indicating he would activate a contractual rematch clause.

There has been uncertainty about when the return bout would take place after Usyk last month went back to his native Ukraine to enlist in the military following Russia’s invasion of the country.

But Usyk said on Instagram on Friday: “I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, a large number of my friends support me, all the rest of the good and peace, thank God for everything.”

The 35-year-old posted a video alongside the short message behind a building which bore a banner featuring the Ukrainian flag’s colours, with a message reading: “Hands off Ukraine, Putin!”

Usyk’s announcement paves the way for a summer showdown against Joshua, whose promoter Eddie Hearn earlier this week floated the idea of his fighter taking on someone else in an interim contest in June.

The champion's promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports that Saudi Arabia was under consideration as a possible venue and that late June was being discussed as a potential date.

This location is under discussion at the moment," Krassyuk said.

"Late June is also the timing we are considering now.

"Many things will depend on how fast we manage to ink the papers.

"The good thing is that Usyk is already in Europe to start his preparation."

Should the fight be held in Saudi Arabia, it would be the second time Joshua has headed to the middle east for a rematch, after he regained the titles he lost to Andy Ruiz Jr there back in December 2019.