Can Oleksandr Usyk Stop the Power of Anthony Joshua?

Oleksandr Usyk is not new to the sport of boxing, however, it can be said that his heavyweight journey has just begun. The former world champion and Olympic gold medalist passed his first real test at the heavyweight division with an impressive unanimous decision win over boxing veteran Derek Chisora.

Usyk won his first professional title back in September 2017 when he picked up the WBO cruiserweight championship against then-undefeated Polish puncher Krzysztof Głowacki. Going forward, Usyk remained undefeated as he unified the cruiserweight championship with a notable win over Tony Bellew. In the process, Usyk snapped Bellew’s ten-fight win-streak. Interestingly enough, Bellew announced his retirement from boxing after losing to Usyk back in November 2018.

Two years later, and Oleksandr Usyk is still making his presence felt. However, in the heavyweight division. With a win over Chazz Witherspoon, Usyk maintained his undefeated record as he edged past boxing veteran Derek Chisora last weekend inside The SSE Arena in London.

Oleksandr Usyk has been the mandatory WBO heavyweight challenger for quite some time now, however, owing to a unification showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Usyk has remained on the sidelines as far as the championship opportunity is concerned.

However, this did not deter Usyk as he took a huge risk against a seasoned veteran of the sport in the form of Derek Chisora. Still undefeated, Usyk has no plans of stepping inside the ring without the heavyweight title on the line. Moreover, Usyk’s camp has hinted that Joshua might even have to vacate his WBO heavyweight title to pave way for the undefeated Ukrainian boxer. However, there’s a reason to believe that a potential Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua could still be on the cards.

Can Oleksandr Usyk upset Anthony Joshua?

Oleksandr Usyk has the experience to beat the current WBO, IBF, IBA champion of the world Anthony Joshua. The British heavyweight fell short against Andy Ruiz Jr. back in June 2019. In the process, he also suffered the first loss of his professional boxing career.

However, he returned in an emphatic fashion, picking up an impressive unanimous decision win to reclaim his throne. Needless to say, Anthony Joshua is as tough as it gets, and has the ability to beat the top-heavyweights right now. However, Usyk could be a serious problem for Joshua.

Going into the Derek Chisora fight, many doubted Usyk’s ability at the heavyweight division. The Cat Olek proved everybody wrong as he withstood an aggressive Chisora who went all guns blazing starting from the very first bell.

The boxing veteran pressured Usyk, who was more calculative with his strikes. Additionally, he was able to capitalize on Chisora’s declining cardio as the bout went forward. Needless to say, the bout against Joshua would be much different.

Anthony Joshua has some serious power in his hands. However, he is still a defensive boxer who often relies on his counter striking when faced with a power puncher himself. Another interesting thing to note is Joshua’s reaction whenever he gets hit. AJ tends to go still whenever he gets hit, which was seen during his 7th round TKO loss against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2018. Joshua’s chin has also been questioned on numerous occasions, and his approach during adversity and pressure situations has been a thing of concern for many.

However, Joshua’s credible boxing skills and his impeccable game-plan before every bout has helped him reach where he is today – the heavyweight champion of the world.

Anthony Joshua has an edge over Usyk

Be that as it may, Oleksandr Usyk has the experience to compete against someone like Anthony Joshua and give him a serious challenge inside the boxing ring. However, Joshua could prove to be too much for the former cruiserweight champion who has just started his heavyweight journey.

Quite evident from his performance against Derek Chisora, Oleksandr Usyk still has a lot to learn as he takes on the heavyweight elites. AJ is far more experienced and has improved leaps and bounds since his first loss against Andy Ruiz, which was quite evident in the rematch. Additionally, with stoppage victories over the likes of Dillian Whyte, Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and Joseph Parker, Joshua is far more competent than Usyk in the heavyweight division.

Additionally, Joshua’s power could prove to be too much for Usyk, who got repeatedly tagged for the at the beginning of his fight against Chisora this past week. Joshua was at the ringside during the bout and must have taken notes about Usyk, who called out Joshua soon after his emphatic win.

It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Usyk. As for AJ, he is scheduled to take on Kubrat Pulev in a mandatory title defense on December 12 inside the O2 Arena in London.