Kubrat Pulev is backing Oleksandr Usyk to score a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in their upcoming rematch.

The second encounter is expected to land on August 20 in Saudi Arabia.

Their first meeting took place last September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, with Usyk capturing the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO heavyweight titles by outboxing Joshua over twelve rounds to secure a unanimous decision.

Pulev shared the ring with Joshua back in 2020, with the British star scoring a knockout victory in the ninth round.

Despite suffering a stoppage defeat, Pulev was not impressed with Joshua's abilities as a fighter.

“When they make a rematch, I think Usyk is going to knock him out because Joshua is nothing special. I lost against him, but I wasn’t good prepared. It’s my mistake, of course. It’s my fault, but that was the situation. Now I’m a lot of power and energy. Health is most important," Pulev told IFL TV.

Joshua has revamped his entire corner to get ready for the rematch. He parted ways with longtime trainer Robert McCracken and brought on veteran coach Robert Garcia. He also elevated Angel Fernandez to the position of assistant trainer.

Back in June of 2019, Joshua suffered his first career defeat when he was stopped in seven rounds by Andy Ruiz in what was a major upset. However, six months later Joshua reclaimed his title when he dominated Ruiz over twelve rounds to bank a lopsided twelve rounds unanimous decision in Saudi Arabia.

Pulev is preparing for a return to the UK. Next month at the O2 Arena, he will face local fan favorite Derek Chisora in a rematch. Pulev won a twelve round split decision in the first bout in 2016.