Comments Thread For: Once Dominant, Joshua Faces Usyk as Champion of Uncertainty

[Kiowhatta]

I believe Usyk has the edge over A.J in terms of technical ability but, this is Heavyweight boxing.

During Holyfield's day, the HW's were only just beginning to come in taller and heavier on average. Back then, cruiserweight was seen as a stepping stone to the glamour division, and it still is, though less so.

The key to victory for Joshua here is to immediately let Usyk experience his size and power. Joshua has been rightly praised for continuing to develop his skill-set, most notably against the rematch with Ruiz despite his stick and move game plan not being fan-friendly.

I sincerely hope Joshua hasn't fallen into the trap of believing he has to outbox Usyk in order to prove he's the better man, as that would be giving Usyk an excellent chance.

A.J needs to really mix it up, inside fighting, leaning, wrestling, pushing, clinching, and of course, hitting - bring to bear all of his advantages to win, fight his style of fight rather than preparing to meet Usyk's style.

Some fighters and trainers adjust camp to focus on their opponent, which is smart, but losing your own style in the process of analysing your opponent is a pitfall.

[OldTerry]

Joshua would batter Bellew on boxing alone . In fact you are going to see Usyk get hit on Saturday while Joshua shows better offensive and defense skills with his catch and counter style vs a southpaw suited for him . Can you tell me what punch Usyk executes better then Joshua ,I’m confident Joshuas jab alone will nullify any offense Usyk tries ? Here’s the thing you guys can keep saying Usyk does this and that but when he backs up we’re going to see how open his defense actually is and you’ll see it because Joshua has an 82 inch reach ,no longer will Usyk amateur mistakes hold up here , no way .

Like I said, I could be wrong about Usyk winning. It all depends on whether or not his level of skills are as touted and if he has the determination to be the aggressor. Joshua is good but he is not a great heavyweight. If I'm wrong and you are correct then you will have my congratulations.

[M111]

Usyk’s footwork will take away Joshua’s reach advantage particularly in the mid to late rounds as Joshua will tire quicker. Unless Joshua comes out to blast him away in the first three in a Hagler’esque way my money is on Usyk by stoppage. Usyk is all wrong for Joshua. I don’t think Joshua now has the confidence to throw caution to the wind and so that since the Ruiz fight, so yes that fight does make a difference. Usyk has a better jab, excellent stamina and keeps extremely good range. Bar power I can’t see a single advantage for Joshua. It took Joshua 7 rounds to catch up with Povetkin so why would he catch the quicker, younger and more mobile Usyk any faster? If it goes further than that Usyk’s stamina, speed and accuracy will start counting. And as far as comments regarding Usyk making amatuer mistakes goes - what mistakes?? Name one. Can’t be that many if he breezed through and became the first undisputed 4 belt champion without barely breaking sweat. If he does knock Joshua out on Saturday he’ll be mooted as the second coming of Ali. Can’t think of any heavyweight with better footwork since. I think he’ll tag a tired Joshua in the late rounds and stop him like he did Bellew.

[M111]

Del Boy had minor success in the first few rounds but then that’s how he fights and realistically Usyk wasn’t even wobbled even though he took a few of Derek’s best shots. Once he hit his groove it wasn’t even close really.

[KP1]

Last time i saw AJ fighting in the UK he was calling his own breaks.

Your boy Fury needed one of the worst robberies ever seen in a British boxing ring to get past John McDermott, you can’t cry about favouritism.

Cheating against a fat journeyman to keep an undefeated record in tact.

[Silas]

I can't see Usyk beating Joshua, and I think that Joshua knows he needs a dominant performance

Usyk's defense is lousy --he is a straight-up fighter with mediocre footwork. He has never really been tested, and he is going to be giving a way a lot of size and reach.

Joshua by TKO in Round 8

[OldTerry]

What skills does Usyk hold over Joshua besides Juggling ?

Usyk pretty much dominated Joshua. I wonder what his win does to a future fight between Fury and Joshua (assuming Fury beats Wilder again). A Usyk vs Fury fight would be interesting indeed.