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Former heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua is gunning to reclaim his belts in a potential rematch against Oleksandr Usyk this year. After suffering a disappointing loss in the first collision, AJ’s in-ring flaws became more prominent.

Once an unbeaten champion, Joshua, who has lost twice in his last 4 fights, is at a very critical stage. Another defeat can see him ejected from the title ride. As his back is against the wall, AJ has begun preparations to meet the former cruiserweight star, Usyk, once again.

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Anthony Joshua has picked the current WBO cruiserweight champion, Lawrence Okolie, to gear up for his next appearance. ES News posted a video on YouTube, where we can see AJ and ‘The Sauce’ having an in-ring workout.

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17-0 as a world champion, Lawrence Okolie, who is currently working with AJ’S 258 MGT, is undoubtedly a star prospect. In less than five years, Okolie has become a world champion knockout artist, boasting his flawless resume in style. While Usyk was also a cruiserweight champion in the past, Okolie can offer AJ a better picture of what the rematch can be. While this training will help, it won’t prepare Joshua for ‘The Cat’s southpaw stance.

Can Anthony Joshua rise against Oleksandr Usyk in the rematch?

The first fight between Joshua and Usyk was lopsided in favor of the latter. The Ukrainian star moved brilliantly inside the ring and attacked Joshua from various angles. Given how ‘AJ’ struggled, several boxing pundits have predicted to see Usyk batter AJ once again in the rematch.

In a media interaction, Joshua claimed he is done losing. As Anthony Joshua is a knockout artist who has stopped every man he has faced except Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr, it would be unfair to write off his chances.

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Joshua has been a heavyweight kingpin for several years and has faced top-tier opponents on his rise to the world title. Although Usyk gave him sheer problems, a proper game plan, and a right camp is what AJ needs to silence his critics.

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Eddie Hearn also has his belief in Joshua. And only time shall tell whether AJ can rise against Oleksandr Usyk in the rematch.

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