Anthony Joshua Claims Oleksandr Usyk as Good as Tyson Fury: ‘He Will Definitely Step Up’

Three-belt unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will defend his titles against the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk on September 25th in a fight that has replaced a four-belt unification matchup to seal its fate.

Before confirming the bout with the Ukrainian fighter, Joshua was scheduled to meet WBC champion, Tyson Fury, possibly in August.

However, the matchup fell through, urging ‘AJ’ to face Usyk. While Fury appears to possess better quality than Usyk as a heavyweight puncher, Joshua claims to have found similarities in both men.

He connected with Sky Sports and addressed the change in his opponent from Tyson Fury to Oleksandr Usyk. Anthony Joshua said, “I don’t want to point any fingers. I was definitely ready.

“We move forward. I’ve got another challenger who’s good, just as good. I have to be serious about him now. He will definitely step up, he will definitely take the fight. That’s what I need – people that are serious.”

Although Joshua seems confident about bagging the win, Usyk will never be an easy opponent. The former unified cruiserweight champion has been flawless so far in his professional boxing career.

Furthermore, Joshua doesn’t have a blueprint to craft a winning gameplan against the undefeated Ukrainian boxer.

Read More | “He’ll Walk Straight Through”- John Fury Backs Anthony Joshua to KO Oleksandr Usyk

So, the fight might see the tables turn and Usyk will rightly have the chance to become a heavyweight world champion. It wouldn’t be an undemanding task, but Usyk has all the necessary tools in his arsenal which can get his hands raised.

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk- The Best vs The Best

Oleksandr Usyk, an elite southpaw, might be tricky to decode inside the ring. He is swift and has fast hands which might trouble Anthony Joshua on the fight night.

However ‘AJ’ will enjoy his sheer size advantage and on connecting a proper shot, he can take out Usyk in a stunning fashion. Furthermore, the fight would determine a contender for an absolute heavyweight unification fight.

Hence, Usyk and Joshua will have a lot to hold on to. As they prepare for their career-defining battle against each other, the fight cites a 50-50 possibility. Both men will have their chances in the ring, but the smarter boxer will have the last laugh.

Whom do you see winning? Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk?

Watch This Story: Top 5 Best Selling PPV Fights of Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing Career