It is safe to say that Anthony Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion is in need of hope and motivation. And he is getting it from the most unexpected man, Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning unified heavyweight champion who is responsible for pushing him into such a drastic situation. When everything was going well with the British boxer, he was at the top of the world with WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles on his resume, Usyk came up and gave him the pain of a second loss.
For Joshua, it was no less than an earthquake that deprived him of everything. However, he got an opportunity in a rematch but he could not alter his faith. Despite producing a much-improved performance, he lost the bout by decision. Since then AJ is out of the ring and introspecting about the reasons for back-to-back losses. In between, he was offered an opportunity of a title shot by his biggest rival Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion. Unfortunately, it could not reach fruition.
Joshua has decided to begin his title quest again. Awakening the warrior spirit in him, the 33-year-old has booked his return fight against Jermaine Franklin. With a new trainer and spirit, Joshua’s eyes are set to prove his worth at London’s O2 Arena, on April 1. Ahead of this anticipated comeback, the man has already won his former opponent’s speculation.
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Oleksandr Usyk shares kind words to fellow heavyweight
Michael Benson of talk sports shared Usyk’s words on Twitter which were originally reported in The Guardian. Usyk said, “Anthony Joshua shouldn’t be upset because he lost to me. He just needs to keep working because he’s a very cool boxer and a nice man. He will have an opportunity to become the world heavyweight champion again.”
Oleksandr Usyk: "Anthony Joshua shouldn't be upset because he lost to me. He just needs to keep working because he's a very cool boxer and a nice man. He will have an opportunity to become the world heavyweight champion again." [@Guardian]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 6, 2023
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Though this fight is a nontitle fight, it has become more important for Joshua because from now, he could not afford any loss. As of now, the heavyweight division is going through a very interesting course. Along with Joshua, the former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder’s eyes are also set on becoming a champion. He is in great shape and has called out Joshua several times in the recent past.
Read more- Francis Ngannou Drops Three Names for His Boxing Debut, Leaves “Decisions” to the Public
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The upcoming fight would decide Joshua’s career path this year. What do you think of Joshua’s upcoming fight? Do you think he will gain momentum? Let us know in the comments below.
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