What was Anthony Joshua's game plan?

[Dr Rumack]

Slow Usyk down with body shots. Make him more stationary, and force him to take big risks to get inside. Hope the power scares him and cruise to a decision down the stretch.

After 9 rounds it was looking like the plan might work. But Usyk's response was incredible. Swept the championship rounds. Not often we've seen a heavyweight finish like that in recent times.

[Rockybigblower]

AJ looked smaller than Usyk in there, he never tried to push him around once. AJ all of a sudden started thinking he can outbox everyone after he beat 300 pound Ruiz what way but AJ forgets he's 6'6 and can put on weight comfortably. Maybe he should try that next time

Don't worry...he will no doubt have that HGH gut back next time he fights.

[alexguiness]

Stay behind the jab...stay humble lol.

[Southpawology]

Joshuas gameplan was to counter usyks straight left his forehead, he did an amazing job.

[Toffee]

Slow Usyk down with body shots. Make him more stationary, and force him to take big risks to get inside. Hope the power scares him and cruise to a decision down the stretch.

After 9 rounds it was looking like the plan might work. But Usyk's response was incredible. Swept the championship rounds. Not often we've seen a heavyweight finish like that in recent times.

This. That's exactly the way I saw it.

I think he was willing to give up some shots to continually beat Usyk's midriff.

The problem was twofold:
1. Usyk was simply too good. I still don't think people are appreciating what they just saw a heavyweight do in the ring.
2. Usyk changed up tactics from usual and came out aggressive and took it straight to Joshua.

I was concerned for Joshua before the fight. In the first round I was convinced Usyk would win. Joshua made a doubter of me, before Usyk showed his championship quality.

Love a fight that ebbs and flows.

[NYG]

Don't worry...he will no doubt have that HGH gut back next time he fights.

It's better than being a physical freak and losing weight making you look like a light hw trying to outbox someone as good as Usyk. Either AJ got too arrogant thinking he can all of a sudden outbox a top boxer or he's just an idiot

[whollisboxing]

He was trying to box him, instead of fighting him. He played into his weaknesses, instead of his strength's.

Exactly, and I will add that AJ seemed to tire himself out trying to track Usyk’s movements. It’s like he was trying to play chess (boxing) instead of trying to flip over the chess board (fighting).

[whollisboxing]

This. That's exactly the way I saw it.

I think he was willing to give up some shots to continually beat Usyk's midriff.

The problem was twofold:
1. Usyk was simply too good. I still don't think people are appreciating what they just saw a heavyweight do in the ring.
2. Usyk changed up tactics from usual and came out aggressive and took it straight to Joshua.

I was concerned for Joshua before the fight. In the first round I was convinced Usyk would win. Joshua made a doubter of me, before Usyk showed his championship quality.

Love a fight that ebbs and flows.

Exactly, and I would add that Joshua’s size and reach advantage wasn’t as great as I thought it would be.

[MikeyMike100]

It's better than being a physical freak and losing weight making you look like a light hw trying to outbox someone as good as Usyk. Either AJ got too arrogant thinking he can all of a sudden outbox a top boxer or he's just an idiot

I think this is it

[Rockybigblower]

It's better than being a physical freak and losing weight making you look like a light hw trying to outbox someone as good as Usyk. Either AJ got too arrogant thinking he can all of a sudden outbox a top boxer or he's just an idiot

Of course he's arrogant. All he could see was the Fury money. He is blinded by his own hype. He reads comments like Noel Anthony posts about being boxing's biggest draw....and thinks he's some kind of guru/ God.