Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk - September 25, 2021

[oogiebe]

Just an observation:
1 - AJ couldn't work off his jab hardly at all against a southpaw, never looking comfortable
2 - Usyk dominated keeping his lead foot outside of AJ's nearly the entire fight.

Looked to me that AJ either couldn't execute what he was taught in the gym, or his handlers failed to teach the basics of fighting a guy with the opposite stance. Or a bit of both.

[margaret thatcher]

It's hard to argue against Fury considering nobody thought he could out-box Klitschko, and he did it. Nobody thought he could make a comeback to the top, but he did it. Nobody thought he could beat Wilder, and yet he did it twice regardless of the record books.

Usyk has proven that he's a bonafide world class elite heavyweight, but--- he defeated arguably the most mechanical and one-dimensional title holder to do it. A heavyweight who had lost before embarrassingly.

I think I said several months back that Usyk's best chance at winning the title would be against Joshua. And of course that turned out to be true. Joshua was befuddled by head movement and a non-stop jab. His overly muscular body once again failed him, against a man with fluid motion.

I'm not so sure that Usyk could pull it off against Wilder or Fury who came straight at him imposing all of their size and strength, which is something that Joshua did not do at all. He did not fight like a big man in there, he fell for the trap of trying to outbox a boxer.

fury scored a great win last night didnt he, really impressive

[peter barlow]

I was surprised when commentary mentioned how few southpaws AJ fought

[KiwiRider]

I was surprised when commentary mentioned how few southpaws AJ fought

And the amount of rounds is really low, well, was really low.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Also, he was digging to the body a lot.

Didn’t really see them clearly, Usyk did complain a little.

Was that a desperation move to hit close to the belt and get away with it.

Did anyone see how low them shots were?

Or where they perfectly legal?

[IRONFIST]

As predicted Usyk beat Joshua Usyk schooled him.

Joshua has been gun shy since the Marathon/Snickers boy Ruiz stopped him. Who was that berk who kept praising Joshua during the fight was it McCracken or Bellew. That's the trouble with "Johnny Big Bucks" Joshua surrounded by too many yes men and BLM blighters (they'll probably ditch him now that he was schooled by a white man). Faffing about with fancy ring entrances as if he was Big Daddy from the wrestling days, greeting people etc.

We can safely say the mega multi-million pound fight with Fury has now gone for a Burton, I did warn them. Fury would've mullered Joshua. Joshua has a cheek to say he would fight the wnner of Fury vs Wilder, without his belts, I think he knows Usyk has his number and would lose the rematch too. All his silly sayings "it's a blessing" and that he didn't need a plan etc have come back to bite him again.

Usyk vs Fury would be an interesting match (providing the Covid blighter hasn't affected him), I'd say Fury UD win though.

[Enlightened-One]

See for yrself..

FFS!

Howard Foster’s scorecard definitely had AJ winning the fight by a two-point margin after eight rounds!

So Eddie Hearn wasn’t talking nonsense then!

The judges’ scorecards are pretty much unanimous for the scoring of round three and also from the fifth round until the remainder of the bout.

Howard Fosters scoring for the first couple of rounds seems odd to me.

Basically, the judges considered the fight as being even after eight rounds, which was different to how I viewed things.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Boxing pros react

[Thomastearns]

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

Credit to Duke McKenzie

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.”

[tigermoth87]

I dont see how anyone can give AJ more than 2 rounds. Laughable scorecards.

Foster is an embarassment

[Ruthless-RKO]

Credit to Duke McKenzie

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.”

also

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.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Syntax Error]

I dont see how anyone can give AJ more than 2 rounds. Laughable scorecards.

Foster is an embarassment

Agreed.

Add in the Campbell Hatton scoring debacle and we can now say that Britain is the new Germany.

[Counter-puncher]

Page 1 cant see joshua losing... page 17 a bet on usyk

I just can’t see Usyk winning the fight. Joshua likely scores a 116-112 type decision victory, though I wouldn’t rule-out the possibility of a late KO either.

[/quote]

wow, that's filthy. he's stroking himself over a bet he made as a shot to nothing as though that means he predicted the fight correctly?

At this point in time, Usyk competing at heavyweight is much akin to “a fish out of water” – it’s not his natural habitat. He just seems significantly less effective against the big-men than he did during his time as a cruiserweight.

not to mention EO doing his amazing impression of Cus D'Amato


And whenever Usyk tries to close the distance, the Brit just needs to throw a right hook or uppercut.

see how simple it should have been for Joshua, folks?

[Counter-puncher]

AJ would have won... if only he'd have just thrown a right hook or uppercut when Usyk got close.

I wonder if he's had chance to read the forum, maybe that critique would hit him like a blinding flash of insight, 'my god, all those times i should have just thrown a right hook or uppercut... how could i have been so foolish?'

still at least he has his gameplan sorted for the rematch.

right hook or uppercut when Usyk tries to get close. what more needs to be said?

[lazboy]

We and AJ need clearer directions from EO, is it a left or right uppercut? Please don’t leave us in suspense.

[xeo7]

I think AJ has simply been ..

Found out.

That’s (possibly) all there is to him. I’m being biased though, as I’ve never rated the guy. I called the fight exactly as it went.

AJ has never evolved as a fighter. He’s not made the typical progress through his career as most do.

His only chance of future success is to rewind the clock back to the pre Ruiz 1 fight.

And here’s a point.. if he does rewind the clock back, how far back? To the WK fight.. when he had NOTHING TO LOSE…..

That’s the AJ we all want to see.

[Enlightened-One]

Page 1 cant see joshua losing... page 17 a bet on usyk

I just can’t see Usyk winning the fight. Joshua likely scores a 116-112 type decision victory, though I wouldn’t rule-out the possibility of a late KO either.

wow, that's filthy. he's stroking himself over a bet he made as a shot to nothing as though that means he predicted the fight correctly?

At this point in time, Usyk competing at heavyweight is much akin to “a fish out of water” – it’s not his natural habitat. He just seems significantly less effective against the big-men than he did during his time as a cruiserweight.

not to mention EO doing his amazing impression of Cus D'Amato


And whenever Usyk tries to close the distance, the Brit just needs to throw a right hook or uppercut.

see how simple it should have been for Joshua, folks?

I changed my mind and subsequently submitted a post stating I was betting on Usyk

I’m assuming you’re a human being that’s never changed your mind in your entire life?

If you are, and assuming you’re always right, then kudos to you my friend!

By the way, those quotes of mine you cited are from the same post.

You dishonestly excluded particularly pertinent points I raised that accurately described Usyk’s method of victory.

But I guess your agenda is to portray me in a poor light, so you excluded sentences that didn’t fit your preferred narrative.

[gilgamesh]

I think AJ has simply been ..

Found out.

That’s (possibly) all there is to him. I’m being biased though, as I’ve never rated the guy. I called the fight exactly as it went.

AJ has never evolved as a fighter. He’s not made the typical progress through his career as most do.

His only chance of future success is to rewind the clock back to the pre Ruiz 1 fight.

And here’s a point.. if he does rewind the clock back, how far back? To the WK fight.. when he had NOTHING TO LOSE…..

That’s the AJ we all want to see.

In a lot of ways the Ruiz loss is exactly what caused him to lose here. Not directly of course, but indirectly. After getting knocked out by Ruiz he's boxed more cautiously since. It worked in the Ruiz rematch, but here, he tried to outbox a superior technician, and couldn't.

He'll need to be far more aggressive and impose his size and strength in the rematch or he'll lose again. He's not gonna outbox Usyk. He has to just go for broke, and attack him aggressively hoping to wear him down or catch him with his power. That might not work either, but it's his only real shot.

[thereverend]

Also, he was digging to the body a lot.

Didn’t really see them clearly, Usyk did complain a little.

Was that a desperation move to hit close to the belt and get away with it.

Did anyone see how low them shots were?

There were a couple on the beltline but one I saw was really low. I didn't see the first one Usyk complained about. The ref either didn't notice or different care. I was sure he had a clear view of the one I saw.

It was a really important aspect of the fight because normally a good boxer keeps hitting there until the ref tells him not to. Joshua was having success with it and should have kept pounding away. Instead he forgot about over the next couple of rounds. Another example of his poor mental game and something I blame on Joshua's corner as well. They should have told him to keep it up. Unless the ref warned him between rounds or at some point the cameras missed.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Klitschko presents Usyk with WBC belt

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, who was named "Eternal World Heavyweight Champion" by the WBC, has met with the new world heavyweight champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the mayor's press service has reported.

Klitschko once again congratulated Usyk on winning the world heavyweight champion title in a fight with Anthony Joshua and presented him with a WBC belt.

"I once again congratulate you on your victory and want to present a symbolic gift to you. You now hold four heavyweight championship belts, but you do not have a WBC belt in this category yet. And you will definitely win it! I am presenting you with the first WBC belt with a large Ukrainian flag, which was made for the WBC Convention that took place in Kyiv in 2018. This is to make you lucky and motivated! After all, your idol, Mohamed Ali, also held such a belt," Klitschko said.



Usyk thanked Klitschko for his support. The champions also spoke via video link to WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. Usyk showed Sulaiman the belt presented by Klitschko and noted that this would be the next trophy he wins.

Usyk defeated Joshua in a unanimous decision and captured the IBF, WBA (super), and WBO heavyweight titles.



More Pics

[ValMar]

AJ would have won... if only he'd have just thrown a right hook or uppercut when Usyk got close.

I wonder if he's had chance to read the forum, maybe that critique would hit him like a blinding flash of insight, 'my god, all those times i should have just thrown a right hook or uppercut... how could i have been so foolish?'

still at least he has his gameplan sorted for the rematch.

right hook or uppercut when Usyk tries to get close. what more needs to be said?

OMG !

[ValMar]

AJ would have won... if only he'd have just thrown a right hook or uppercut when Usyk got close.

I wonder if he's had chance to read the forum, maybe that critique would hit him like a blinding flash of insight, 'my god, all those times i should have just thrown a right hook or uppercut... how could i have been so foolish?'

still at least he has his gameplan sorted for the rematch.

right hook or uppercut when Usyk tries to get close. what more needs to be said?

OMG !

...............when Usyk got close........... Anthony, don't be afraid to ask for advice if rematch happens

[Counter-puncher]

I’m sure he’ll have that number on speed dial

Mind you with all the random chancers AJ has invited into his camp recently, who knows maybe EO is next

[ValMar]

I’m sure he’ll have that number on speed dial

Mind you with all the random chancers AJ has invited into his camp recently, who knows maybe EO is next

I hope Anthony reads this forum (from time to time, at least). If yes, it will be another story on the rematch.

He will punch Usyk in his big nose as strong as he can, if EE get close, of course.