Joshua v Usyk 25th September - Tottenham Stadium

[Master]

IMO this is a case of "the longer it takes for the rematch to get here... the worse AJ's chances become."

It's in March, so by then his chances will be pretty slim. (Of course, a lot depends on how Usyk shows up for the fight).

But between now and March, AJ will have ample opportunities to: second-guess himself... change directions... mull over all the reasons why he lost to Usyk... talk to a lot more people... etc.

Yep. By March he'll be totally confused.

AJ does tend to over think things and get himself in a muddle.

[Primo Carnera]

IMO this is a case of "the longer it takes for the rematch to get here... the worse AJ's chances become."

It's in March, so by then his chances will be pretty slim. (Of course, a lot depends on how Usyk shows up for the fight).

But between now and March, AJ will have ample opportunities to: second-guess himself... change directions... mull over all the reasons why he lost to Usyk... talk to a lot more people... etc.

Yep. By March he'll be totally confused.

AJ does tend to over think things and get himself in a muddle.

Certainly appears that way.

[Master]

You know when you have fought poorly when your victor has to defend you to the media.


Oleksandr Usyk has leapt to the defence of the man he beat to become a world heavyweight champion last month. Anthony Joshua has come under some criticism for his performance against the Ukrainian challenger, but Usyk believes the boxing world has been "harsh" on the Briton.

Joshua's latest title challenger had only fought twice at this weight as a professional, forcing Chazz Witherspoon into a seventh-round retirement before unanimously beating Dereck Chisora on points.

While the champion had the edge in terms of height, weight and power, Usyk proved why he is ranked as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.

He outwitted and outboxed Joshua, winning by unanimous decision and maintaining his unbeaten record.

The defeated fighter received criticism from many quarters, with many wondering why his performances had been so poor in a fight he was expected to dominate.

But Usyk thinks that criticism is unfair, and backed the Briton to be a "challenging" opponent once again when they meet next year for their rematch.

"It's unfortunate to hear that they are being harsh on Joshua's performance, because I was there in the ring with him and he was very good," Usyk told DAZN.

"I really do not know where they find grounds for criticism. It was truly a brilliant fight.

"I am now preparing for another challenging match against him next year and I will need to be at my best to keep my championships."

He did warn his opponent, though, that he is fully focussed on making sure the belt he won will still be in his possession after the rematch.

"The day after I won the heavyweight championships, I felt calm. Now, a month later, I feel the same," Usyk added.

"I am very proud to be the new champion but I mostly focus on just living my life and continuing to train hard in the gym in anticipation of the rematch."

While Usyk seems happy with life as a heavyweight champion, Joshua has himself been searching for answers as to how he can up his game ahead of their second meeting.

The Londoner has spent time in the United States, meeting with world-renowned trainers to "get some new teachings".

It has also added to speculation that Joshua is looking to make changes to his corner, as he did after his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

Coach Rob McCracken is rumoured to be the one in the firing line, while the fighter has admitted he feels those in his corner have to improve the way they work together.

Despite all that noise, though, Usyk says he is uninterested in what is going on in Joshua's camp, and is simply focussing on his own preparations.

"I am not sure who will train Joshua for the rematch," the Ukrainian said. "I have seen the speculation about who he may hire for next year but it does not matter to us who trains him.

"Our goal is to be prepared for everything and I train to improve my own chances, not based on my opponent.

"He also promised to be more aggressive and dangerous in the rematch. If that is the case, great. I'd be glad to experience that side of Joshua. I am sure it will be another brilliant fight."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp