Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk - September 25, 2021

[peter barlow]

Howard Foster, well that's one judge in the bag for AJ

[apollo creed]

This is a real fight! AJ is a true champion taking tough-risky challenge!

I hope Fury smashes bum squad Wilder.

[Thomastearns]

This is a real fight! AJ is a true champion taking tough-risky challenge!

It really is.

Anyone who says this is easy for Joshua is doing Usyk a huge disservice.


I'm beginning to wonder whether some of us have been underestimating Usyk all along. In fact my confidence in a Joshua win seems to be diminishing day by day.


Usyk's as hard as nails and as confident as be could be. Nonetheless, I'm still hoping he's bitten off a bit too much to chew on with AJ.

Joshua is a great champion, and I'd like to see it stay that way.

[candyslim]

Well said Thomas.

[apollo creed]

This is a real fight! AJ is a true champion taking tough-risky challenge!

It really is.

Anyone who says this is easy for Joshua is doing Usyk a huge disservice.


I'm beginning to wonder whether some of us have been underestimating Usyk all along. In fact my confidence in a Joshua win seems to be diminishing day by day.


Usyk's as hard as nails and as confident as be could be. Nonetheless, I'm still hoping he's bitten off a bit too much to chew on with AJ.

Joshua is a great champion, and I'd like to see it stay that way.

Imo if Usyk isn't ready atm to put an elite quality performance(W,D,L) vs AJ, he ain't gonna be ever. Now it's Usyk's best time to prove it.

[KiwiRider]

This is a real fight! AJ is a true champion taking tough-risky challenge!

It really is.

Anyone who says this is easy for Joshua is doing Usyk a huge disservice.


I'm beginning to wonder whether some of us have been underestimating Usyk all along. In fact my confidence in a Joshua win seems to be diminishing day by day.


Usyk's as hard as nails and as confident as be could be. Nonetheless, I'm still hoping he's bitten off a bit too much to chew on with AJ.

Joshua is a great champion, and I'd like to see it stay that way.

Imo if Usyk isn't ready atm to put an elite quality performance(W,D,L) vs AJ, he ain't gonna be ever. Now it's Usyk's best time to prove it.

Well, he is undefeated.
When he has fought, he wins. He may not have set the world alight at heavy, but he has won.
And maybe that is the plan?.
Don't look too dangerous or everyone is going to avoid you.
Uysk beat all comers at cruiser.
He has a good chin that has been reasonably well tested. His footwork is better than I've seen at HW right now.
And check out the muscle he has put on. Poppa Loma wouldn't allow him to carry that muscle if it affected his movement either.
I personally think Uysk is the best opponent in AJs career. Yes Wlad was good, but not at his best through a combination of age and rust.
Yes fat Andy pulled off an upset, but that was proven a blip when Joshua went back and shut him out.

[candyslim]

I agree Kiwi. It doesn't pay to look too good. There's a quiz show on UK TV at the moment where you are set targets in terms of how much you can win and how long you have in which to do it based on your performance in the qualifying round. They are very tough on anyone who looks like they might have a 3 digit IQ.

I'd be like "Capital of the USA? er that must be New York".

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Picks: Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING MAGAZINE/RINGTV.COM

TOM GRAY: JOSHUA UD

“On paper this is the toughest fight of Joshua’s career. Many people will say Wladimir Klitschko, but that’s in hindsight. Wlad was in his 40s, coming off a loss and he was inactive. Usyk is a former Olympic champion, unbeaten as a professional, a southpaw, and he has attributes that will give Joshua trouble, including adept mobility and handspeed. But despite all of that buildup, I have a lot of faith in Robert McCracken’s quality as a coach. I think Team Joshua can come up with a disciplined game plan that defuses the smaller man’s weapons. The jab will be key in maintaining the range and pace that the champion requires, but he has to be very patient. I don’t expect Joshua to bullrush Usyk – that’s just not the way he does business – but his presence and omnipresent power should keep the challenger honest. If it doesn’t and Usyk is able to score regularly, then Joshua is in a world of trouble.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: JOSHUA UD

“Excellent fight, very intriguing. Joshua will hold considerable size advantages over Usyk. However, the gifted Ukrainian isn’t your average fighter and in terms of skills is the most talented fighter AJ has faced to this juncture. I do put credence in the old adage, ‘A good big un beats a good little un.’ We saw Usyk have a few issues in his two heavyweight fights against the naturally bigger men. Joshua is light years better than Chazz Witherspoon and Dereck Chisora. Usyk will have to box the perfect fight to beat Joshua, can he do that? Sure, he can. I don’t think he can hurt Joshua so to win on the road will be very difficult. I think Joshua wins a unanimous decision, something like 8-4, 9-3 on the cards.”

LEE GROVES: JOSHUA UD

“In beating Kubrat Pulev last December, we saw a mix of the predatory pre-Klitschko Joshua and the more cautious post-Klitschko version as he out-boxed the mandatory challenger, then slugged him to the ground in round nine. Meanwhile, Usyk experienced some shaky moments against Dereck Chisora last Halloween before winning on points thanks to his footwork, ring generalship and sharp hitting in the middle rounds. One major factor favoring Joshua is that Usyk will not have his usual height and reach advantages, which will make it tougher for him to get to the scoring area. A second is that Joshua also has long-range skills and a third is that AJ has an enormous edge in shot-for-shot power. Finally, how much effect will Usyk’s added bulk have on his mobility, the biggest advantage he has over Joshua? Usyk, who, at 34, is nearly three years older than Joshua, can win if he imposes his high work rate on a risk-averse Joshua, find enough holes in the champ’s defense and avoid hitting the floor, but I believe Joshua’s size, strength and power will be in play often enough for him to win on points.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: JOSHUA UD

“Anthony Joshua showed in his last outing against Andy Ruiz that he can deal with a talented boxer by using his reach and timing to nullify an elite boxer’s best traits. Now, I think Oleksandr Usyk is a better boxer than Ruiz, but also believe Usyk carries less power and one punch danger to Joshua. Usyk comes to the dance with more consistent volume, but I see Joshua’s accuracy and physicality will tell on Usyk, who will not be able to employ his trademark late rounds pressure. As with Ruiz, Joshua won’t trade, but stay on the outside using his jab to control the fight and the left hook to win over the judges. It won’t be lopsided, but a clear 116-112 victory puts Joshua on his way to a showdown with the Fury-Wilder rematch winner.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: JOSHUA UD

“In a pound for pound sense, Usyk is the more skilled fighter. But as the saying goes, ‘Size Matters.’ The Ukrainian is a natural 200-pound fighter bulking up to face a 250-pound fighter; that’s an increase of 25 percent. The cruiserweight-to-heavyweight move is the most difficult in all of boxing. That is why, in the division’s 40-plus year history, only one man has been the legitimate cruiserweight champion and went on to become the legit heavyweight champ (Evander Holyfield). That, combined with this fight being in the UK, means Usyk will be looking up a mountain on September 25. Give me Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision in a mostly technical fight.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: JOSHUA SD

“A tricky fight. Maybe, Joshua’s toughest, although you’d have to say his loss to Andy Ruiz in their first bout was. Joshua just didn’t know that going in. But Oleksandr Usyk has been there, a looming threat to Joshua since both won gold at different weights at the 2012 Olympics. Joshua has all of the measurable advantages – height, weight, reach. Usyk, who fights at heavyweight for the third time, will be the smaller man. But his presence is intangible, yet always there. Call it IQ, poise, instinct or just guts. He knows his way around the ring, which means Joshua will have to be vigilant throughout and tireless with a jab that controls pace and distance. Guess here, Joshua will do exactly that, but it won’t be easy in winning a fight close enough to dictate a rematch.”

RON BORGES: JOSHUA PTS

“This is an interesting contrast of styles, which will test both men but especially Usyk. The size differential will expose him to constant risk when he tries to score. Although he is the superior boxer, Usyk will have to take chances to score enough to win. Joshua’s dilemma is less threatening, but more complex. He has to figure how to get through the complicated defense of a somewhat faster, more agile man. What will save Joshua is that he is not a big risk taker himself. That will expose him less and allow his jab to control the tempo and win him the fight on points.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): USYK TKO

“I think Usyk is all wrong for Joshua. Had Usyk been a brawler, that would suit Joshua but he faces a supreme unbeaten boxer who will be more than motivated at the prospect of beating Joshua. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Usyk will have been working on strength training and should weigh a career heaviest and Joshua a career lightest for speed, works in Usyk’s favor. I take Usyk by late stoppage.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA KO

“Usyk is an intelligent southpaw, who controls range and has great footwork. Joshua is athletic and uses his physical size and strength. Usyk doesn’t have power to hurt Joshua. Joshua is too big and strong. Size matters. Late round KO for Joshua.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA PTS

“I’m picking AJ by close decision. I see Usyk giving AJ fits, but not hurting him. Joshua has become a better boxer using his jab and moving laterally. Usyk probably would’ve beaten AJ pre-Andy Ruiz, but not this version.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER PROMOTIONS): JOSHUA PTS

“I think Anthony Joshua wins this fight. It is a great fight for boxing. With Usyk’s foot speed, boxing I.Q. and conditioning, he is a very live dog. I think Anthony Joshua will have the advantage of power and weight. He should bully his way to a victory.”

ARSLANBEK MAKMUDOV (HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER): JOSHUA KO

“Anthony Joshua will beat Oleksandr Usyk because he is a real heavyweight and he has a real punch. Joshua is powerful, but Usyk can give problems to anyone. Even if Usyk has a perfect amateur career and a lot of skills, he doesn’t have the most important thing a heavyweight needs to have to be respected, which is power. For example, Chisora didn’t look bad in his fight against Usyk even if Oleksandr is a better boxer. The reason why, it’s because Chisora did not respect Usyk’s power. Joshua will win by KO around Round 9 or 10.”

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO 10

“I think it will be a competitive but boring fight. Joshua has all the tools, skill and size to overcome Usyk. Joshua TKO 10.”

STEVE FARHOOD (TV ANALYST): JOSHUA UD

“I favor Joshua on points. He will have to be more aggressive than usual, but he has the size to apply intelligent pressure against Usyk, who will be a moving target. Judges like aggressiveness. Joshua by unanimous decision in a chess match.”

KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER, MAIN EVENTS): DRAW

“Usyk is the better all-around fighter. But, of course, in the UK he will likely need a KO to win. The Ruiz fights show that Joshua is challenged by a boxer. So Usyk might outbox him. But this is England. And Joshua is England’s biggest star. So, I’m picking the draw.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): USYK UD

“I am going with Usyk since he is the better boxer and always go the way of a boxer, but the fight is in the U.K., so, it will be very hard to get the decision. Also, we all don’t know how good Usyk’s chin is, but I believe if it holds up, he will win a unanimous decision, maybe not on the cards, but in everyone who is watching’s eyes.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER, GOLDEN BOY): JOSHUA UD

“Good fight, that I am looking forward to watching. I see a 12-round bout and as much as many say it is a dangerous fight for AJ, I believe he will box, use his size, his jab and his footwork to clearly outwork Usyk over 12 rounds. I believe Usyk will be a step behind AJ In the end. AJ by unanimous decision, 8 to 4.”

KALLE SAUERLAND (PROMOTER, WASSERMAN BOXING): JOSHUA TKO

“My pick is Joshua by late stoppage. I expect both guys to box the early rounds and I think the early rounds will go to Usyk, but I think Usyk has shown in all of his fights he normally gets tagged and Joshua will land a fight-changing punch in rounds 7-9 and that will turn the fight. Joshua will grind him down. I don’t see an outright KO, but I see a stoppage coming late.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA PTS

“This is an intriguing and fascinating fight. We know Usyk has the skills to offset a significant size disadvantage, but as good as he is, Usyk is not (Vasiliy) Lomachenko. He managed difficult early moments against Chisora to win handily enough, but it never looked entirely comfortable to me. Certainly, AJ doesn’t bring the same heat or high guard, jab-press these days, he’s more circumspect, but against Pulev he looked like he’s finding the balance between boxer and puncher. Usyk tends to wear down opponents technically rather than bomb them out and AJ may have an issue with stamina as well as punch resistance so there is hope. But I think Usyk fights too close to range and danger for me and it looks like he may have to take more chances against the heavies. This should give Joshua the opportunity to work behind the jab and win by decision in a fight that may have echoes of his victory over Parker.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): JOSHUA PTS

“I think stylistically it could be an awkward and difficult night for Joshua. I really like Usyk against most fighters, but Joshua is an absolutely upper-tier at heavyweight and when push comes to shove, I would have to go with him to win a decision.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): JOSHUA PTS

“It’s a really interesting fight. A really good small fighter and a very good big fighter. I think Joshua’s size and power as well as his experience and discipline will keep Usyk away. In the first few rounds Joshua will have to adapt to the speed and movement of Usyk. Then he’ll control the fight with the jab. The fight stays interesting because we’re all waiting for that big shot I don’t think comes. I think the fight goes the distance and Joshua wins a decision.”

CHRIS ALGIERI (FORMER WBO JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): JOSHUA UD

“Usyk has phenomenal movement. His ability to move laterally, change directions while firing is something you don’t see at these higher weights. He is also used to fighting bigger men. He also has enough power to shock the bigger men. Joshua has also shown some weakness with handspeed and obviously his chin isn’t going down with the all-time greats … but when Anthony Joshua is on, he has the goods to be the best heavyweight in the world. Can Usyk beat Anthony Joshua? Yes. Do I think he will? No. I think the physical size and his very respectable athleticism will get him through a sometimes awkward, and less than thrilling victory.”

Final Tally: Joshua 19-2-1

[Bandog]

Usyk wins this one. His movement will frustrate AJ, and eventually fatigue him enough to gas late. Usyk by KO 11. Hopefully the ref won't be a factor, or judge cards, but typically they do favor AJ. If it goes to the cards, I'm guessing AJ will get a Canelo type decision.

After Wilder KO's Fury, I'll look forward to him vs Usyk next year.

[Enlightened-One]

According to bet365, Anthony Joshua is 75% certain of defeating Oleksandr Usyk (1/3), with the Ukrainian underdog rated by SBK as having a 28.6% chance of victory (5/2).

The betting odds that I’ve quoted for the Joshua-Usyk fight are pretty consistent for 25 bookmakers (as per the stats supplied by oddschecker).

Even though I’m personally favouring Joshua to defeat Usyk by points, I feel that the betting odds are unrealistic to the point I’m sorely tempted to place a small bet on the underdog.

It’s not a coin toss 50-50 type fight, but Usyk doesn’t deserve to be considered such a big underdog.

I don’t think anyone would be particularly shocked to see him score the upset.

usyk probably has to win 9 rounds to win it on points... thats going to be tough. For that reason iv had a little bet on usyk by stopage at 8-1. I cant torture myself by relying on fair judging to win a bet.

I don’t really know what’s happening with the bookmakers at the moment, because their betting odds have been very unrealistic - almost absurd!

They considered Yordenis Ugas as a massive underdog against Manny Pacquiao, which compelled me to bet on the Cuban.

And I’m tempted to do it again, by placing a small punt on Usyk. The odds are just far too weird to ignore.

I haven’t gone for method of victory though, because Usyk’s ability to stop Joshua largely depends on the Brit’s strategy.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[BroughtonRulesRefuge]

- Ahhh, so AJ gotta fight both Usyk and the proverbial Ring Curse of "Boxing Experts" at the same time is it?

No problem, just another day at the office for AJ in his record setting career. Shame of this is AJ should've been their Ring Champ when he beat their number 3 Parker. #2 Deyonce had already turned down a career purse while their former Ring Champ was hiding in drug induced, blubberized disgrace never having defended his misbegotten belt. "The Ring Brain Trust" conveniently ignored their own rules that they only get sanctimonious about when it suits their personal agenda.

Even worse in the epoch of time is we didn't get a chance to see all everything 24-0, 15 KO pro record of Usyk tie up the petard inflated Larry Holmes into granny knots. Of course with Usyk being a standing champ on the scale of Michael Spinks, Larry wouldn't fight him until it was too late for Larry to figure he could never carry the jockstrap of Rocky.

Usyk won the Ali Trophy on the road, so this too just another day at the office for him. Figure he's got some befuddling moves planned for AJ who best not come in under 240. Interesting fight with a motherlode of possibilities, but "He can run, but he can't hide," the most likely determining factor as Joe Louis proved vs Billy Conn

[Ruthless-RKO]

- Ahhh, so AJ gotta fight both Usyk and the proverbial Ring Curse of "Boxing Experts" at the same time is it?

No problem, just another day at the office for AJ in his record setting career. Shame of this is AJ should've been their Ring Champ when he beat their number 3 Parker. #2 Deyonce had already turned down a career purse while their former Ring Champ was hiding in drug induced, blubberized disgrace never having defended his misbegotten belt. "The Ring Brain Trust" conveniently ignored their own rules that they only get sanctimonious about when it suits their personal agenda.

AJ is a big favourite in this.

All the boxing experts bar 3, (2 for Usyk/ 1 draw) have AJ winning.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Weigh in 3 hours to go

[cormack]

I haven’t seen any press conferences; can anyone confirm if Usyk is feel, if he is very feel yet?

Have you heard of this thing called youtube ? its amazing and free !
nothing but AJ / Usyk all over it

[aicheligad]

With that moustache and earring, Usyk looks almost 100% like a Zaporozhian Cossack, he only lacks the oseledets haircut.

[candyslim]

Usyk wins this one. His movement will frustrate AJ, and eventually fatigue him enough to gas late. Usyk by KO 11. Hopefully the ref won't be a factor, or judge cards, but typically they do favor AJ. If it goes to the cards, I'm guessing AJ will get a Canelo type decision.

After Wilder KO's Fury, I'll look forward to him vs Usyk next year.

Thank the Lord you have Usyk winning! As a Joshua fan I had been starting to get very nervous.

Do you seriously think Team Wilder would entertain the notion of fighting Usyk if they both win? You're a funny guy Bandog.

[aicheligad]

Joshua vs Wilder was a fight everyone wanted to see not that long ago, I hope that they both lose and then fight each other (it's boxing though and the chances of this happening are close to none) and Fury vs Usyk is such an awkward match-up, I really hope to see it one day.

[candyslim]

I suspect it would stink the place out.

[aicheligad]

My prediction was 240 vs 225lbs so I was close, Usyk looks strong, the size difference isn't that huge but Joshua has a quite big reach advantage.

[Ruthless-RKO]

240 vs 221

[Enlightened-One]

A lot of talk about weight in the pre-fight build-up, but AJ has ended up weighing the same as he has done for the couple of years or so.

And in terms of Usyk, he was constantly guzzling water whilst he was kept waiting, so I suspect he’s roughly the same weight as he was for the Chisora fight. There’s no real change to his physique.

The Ukraine probably entered the ring around the 215lbs mark during his cruiserweight days, which was almost three years ago, so it’s clear that with him weighing 221lbs, he's made no effort to bulk-up.

In a way, it’s a good thing, because both guys have enough confidence in their own ability to fight their own fight, rather than making wholesale changes to tailor their fighting styles to cater for their opponent.

[victor-romeo]

I look forward to this fight and don't see it going the distance..

[Thomastearns]

- Ahhh, so AJ gotta fight both Usyk and the proverbial Ring Curse of "Boxing Experts" at the same time is it?

No problem, just another day at the office for AJ in his record setting career. Shame of this is AJ should've been their Ring Champ when he beat their number 3 Parker. #2 Deyonce had already turned down a career purse while their former Ring Champ was hiding in drug induced, blubberized disgrace never having defended his misbegotten belt. "The Ring Brain Trust" conveniently ignored their own rules that they only get sanctimonious about when it suits their personal agenda.

AJ is a big favourite in this.

All the boxing experts bar 3, (2 for Usyk/ 1 draw) have AJ winning.

Boxing experts?

Is there really such a thing?

Out of all the pundits, Montero is the one that often gets it right and 240 v221 suggests that after AJ takes care of this Ukrainian Joker he'll deal with the oversized one time drug-addled Batman imposter next.

Finally the heavyweight scene comes back to life.