Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II | Sky Sports PPV - 20 August 2022

[margaret thatcher]

I knew all this Usyk has put on 15kg was a load of bollox.

how does khan come up with this stuff? seems a pathilogical liar or just extremely stupid and gullable

[MightyWarrior]

Wouldn’t read anything into the stare down, AJ looks more bored by it than anything, he knows how pointless it is to try and intimidate the Ukrainian loon.
I think Joshua looks deadly serious and thinks he’s going to get the win, he wouldn’t be taking it otherwise, he really didn’t have to. Garcia and all the rest will have been drilling it into him he’s big and hard hitting enough to really hurt Usyk.

Big question is will his chin hold up, a lot of people saying it won’t, but Del Boy held up ok…either way it should be a firefight and I’m
thinking/hoping big Josh gets the win.

[Boxerbeetle]

I knew all this Usyk has put on 15kg was a load of bollox.

how does khan come up with this stuff? seems a pathilogical liar or just extremely stupid and gullable

Why does anyone listen to Khan, ever? He’s a nice guy but completely brainless.

[Loynesy]

A friend of mine just said "They put bigger brains in digital watches. "

Hard to argue.

[Nightmare Roy]

I knew all this Usyk has put on 15kg was a load of bollox.

how does khan come up with this stuff? seems a pathilogical liar or just extremely stupid and gullable

Why does anyone listen to Khan, ever? He’s a nice guy but completely brainless.

No idea, if he'd put on 15k of muscle mass in a year the drug testers would be on him like a tramp on chips, that is Impossible to do naturally.

[Dioufy]

What’s the Jack v rivera fight at, bitches? Light heavy or cruiser or something in between?

[deadpan]

Apparently Khan only hung around Usyk to try to improve his command of English.

[gregregegg]

What’s the Jack v rivera fight at, bitches? Light heavy or cruiser or something in between?

cruiser.

[KiwiRider]

Sky NZ/Oz are not showing this fight.
I can't keep up. Took it for granted I would be able to just watch it on Sky BO.
Looks like I'm old schooling the fight on the radio
The disjointed way you have to watch boxing and the expensive nature of the sport is killing it.

[Fightnight Scores]

If you're a little bit tech savvy you can watch it on Usyk's YouTube channel if you're "in" Ukraine

[KiwiRider]

If you're a little bit tech savvy you can watch it on Usyk's YouTube channel if you're "in" Ukraine

Cheers Fightie
Unfortunately I'm not, I'm so hillbilly I had to cut down some trees just to get the Sky satellite to work. So if connecting to Uysk involves a chainsaw...

[Gnome]

If you're a little bit tech savvy you can watch it on Usyk's YouTube channel if you're "in" Ukraine

Cheers Fightie
Unfortunately I'm not, I'm so hillbilly I had to cut down some trees just to get the Sky satellite to work. So if connecting to Uysk involves a chainsaw...

Listening on the radio can be class. Enjoy, mate

[Shambles]

I’ll watch the undercard on IPTV and tune into a DAZN feed to avoid the cringeworthy sky comm lackies, then I might go out to meet friends aka casuals in a local to watch the main event, not earlier so I don’t get completely blooted ( Brentford Fulham earlier ) or stay in and watch it on DAZN …And I’m going with Joshua to stop the bulked up roided Ukrainian midway w body shots, because that’s what I really want to happen.

Has Usyk been done for that then, or is that you making things up?

[kbackup408]

If you're a little bit tech savvy you can watch it on Usyk's YouTube channel if you're "in" Ukraine

Hopefully they don't patch VPN's fingers crossed for tomorrow !

[gregregegg]

I’ll watch the undercard on IPTV and tune into a DAZN feed to avoid the cringeworthy sky comm lackies, then I might go out to meet friends aka casuals in a local to watch the main event, not earlier so I don’t get completely blooted ( Brentford Fulham earlier ) or stay in and watch it on DAZN …And I’m going with Joshua to stop the bulked up roided Ukrainian midway w body shots, because that’s what I really want to happen.

Has Usyk been done for that then, or is that you making things up?

I think he is assuming it because of usyks dramatic 1/4 lb weight gain….

Or Mabey it’s that usyk went from about 210lb 10 years ago on a diet to make weight, to 220 now on a diet to be big… that’s outrageous weight gain….

I’d never be confedent any athlete in any sport isn’t on drugs, but nothing about usyk screams doping.

[margaret thatcher]

usyk has been at least 212 on the night of cruiser fights......he put on not even 10 pounds, and clearly it's not all muscle as he's gotten a bit softer too

the irony of calling him roided and bulked up vs josh of all people

that said, i dont put ped use past any pro. it can seriously improve a fighter and they can avoid being caught if they do it right. big boar balls tyson just had to improve his masking game

[KiwiRider]

I think he is assuming it because of usyks dramatic 1/4 lb weight gain….

Classic

[cutsman]

If you're a little bit tech savvy you can watch it on Usyk's YouTube channel if you're "in" Ukraine

Cheers Fightie
Unfortunately I'm not, I'm so hillbilly I had to cut down some trees just to get the Sky satellite to work. So if connecting to Uysk involves a chainsaw...

Listening on the radio can be class. Enjoy, mate

Radio for me tonight as well. What’s the best station to listen on? I know it’s on Talksport and 5 live. Anyone got a favourite?

[MightyWarrior]

No I assume he’s never been busted, I was just having a pop at the champ because he gets so much love on here. But I’d be amazed if he never used, I’m sure they don’t f*ck around in Ukraine to get their boys to the top, and Joshua as well. They’re all at it

[Ruthless-RKO]

Pundits and pros make predictions

WBO junior-middleweight champion Natasha Jonas: "It's a fight AJ just can't lose. I think we'll see a different AJ. But Usyk is phenomenal and you can never bet against him."

Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton: "I hope I'm wrong and AJ can do enough to win the fight, but I think he has to do it early. The issue with his engine could be a factor in the fight. The longer the fight goes on, the better chance Usyk has. AJ by knockout has to be early, but I also think Usyk can stop AJ. I think it will be difficult for AJ to beat Usyk on points."

Lightweight Adam Azim: "I'm going with AJ this time. I think he's more determined. He's training hard. It could be like [Andy] Ruiz II, but I think this time he has to push it on him rather than box him."

Super-welterweight Liam Smith: "It's a tough one but you have to edge towards Usyk. If Joshua puts it right on Usyk, I think he can win. Joshua has fought in Saudi before but I don't think the location makes a difference. The winner has to go on to fight Fury."

Boxing coach Dave Coldwell: "It's a huge ask for AJ but he has the physical attributes to turn it around. The problem is that Usyk has skills to negate that. AJ will always have the power and pop in his hand to end the fight, but he has to get off to a really quick start and stop Usyk from getting into a rhythm. If Usyk does get comfortable, he will be unshakable. I would say Usyk is the favourite but AJ is a live underdog."

Heavyweight Derek Chisora: "AJ better win. The whole nation is counting on him. We need him to win. You don't get it. We need him to win. If he don't win it means your paycheque goes down."

Middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz: "I hope and pray AJ does it because I'm a massive fan of the way he goes about it. But if you're talking from a boxing perspective, I do think Usyk is going to get the better of him again. But my support is with Joshua all the way."

Four-time world champion Carl Froch: "My prediction to be honest is a prediction that I don't even want to hear. I think Usyk beats AJ quite conclusively again - maybe even gets the stoppage."

Super-bantamweight Ramla Ali: "AJ will win this one. Like when he lost to Andy Ruiz, he made some changes, and I feel like he's doing the same again - he's making changes."

Heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield: "I'm not surprised [Joshua is the underdog] but the fact of the matter is they know they're fighting a little guy. That's what he does, dodge all the time. He'll get hit by a big shot, it'll probably be hard but he's got good defence. He moves real well. If you're going to bet your money on anything, it'll [be on the] little guy unless he gets hit by a big shot."

Heavyweight Joe Joyce: "I'd say Usyk will win again, but I'm not writing off AJ. He's got a puncher's chance. Let's see what he's been working on in the gym and if he's able to beat Usyk, the better boxer."

Welterweight Conor Benn: "I might have to sit on the fence. You'd think in your head AJ should have the tools to beat him up, literally beat him up. But that's a mentality thing. He's working with Robert Garcia, but he's never worked with a heavyweight before. There's lots of question marks over him. But I will back AJ."

BBC 5 Live Boxing analyst Richie Woodhall: "I think Usyk will probably run out a winner on points. I do think Josh can win the fight. The only way Josh wins the fight is he stops him or knocks him out."

Boxing trainer Buddy McGirt: "They've both got something to prove. It's a toss-up. If I had a winner I'd let you know."

Super-middleweight Callum Smith: "I think it's a completely different fight to the first time round. I think we'll get a different Joshua, but I think we'll get a different Usyk as well. It's whoever's gameplan comes off. I think this one will be a little bit more exciting - I think Joshua will go for him a little bit more."

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn: "I want to see a dominant performance from Anthony Joshua - I feel like he's the best heavyweight in the world. I want to see him break down and fundamentally beat up the pound-for-pound number one."

Former British super-middleweight champion Paul Smith: "If I had to put my house on someone I think the safe bet would be Usyk. But I'm hoping Anthony Joshua will pull it out and stop him mid to late rounds."

Boxing trainer Ronnie Shields: "AJ is good in second fights. I don't think he's going to knock him out, But I think he's going to win a decision."

Former European super-bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver: "I think Joshua is going to get the job done inside six, seven rounds. I think he's going to catch Usyk."

[Dioufy]

Ben Dickatter not on the main card? That’s deffo Hearn pulling a fast one.
2 geezers I’ve never heard of are seemingly fighting on the live tv section.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Youtube prelims will begin at 3pm..

main card starts at 6pm..

Will post the RBR - Running order soon..

[Boxerbeetle]

Cheers Fightie
Unfortunately I'm not, I'm so hillbilly I had to cut down some trees just to get the Sky satellite to work. So if connecting to Uysk involves a chainsaw...

Listening on the radio can be class. Enjoy, mate

Radio for me tonight as well. What’s the best station to listen on? I know it’s on Talksport and 5 live. Anyone got a favourite?

Definitely 5 Live, no question.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Stats and Stakes

Oleksandr Usyk

Age: 35
Title: IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO heavyweight (2021-Present, 1st Defense)
Previous Titles: WBO Cruiserweight (2016-19, 6 Defenses); WBC Cruiserweight (2018-19, 2 Defenses); Lineal/TBRB/Ring/WBA/IBF Cruiserweight (2018-19, 1 Defense)
Height: 6’3
Weight: 221.5 lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Shypyntsi, Ukraine
Record: 19-0, 13 KO (25-0, 15 KO including World Series of Boxing fights)
Press Rankings: #1 (TBRB, Ring, BoxRec), #2 (ESPN)
Record in Title Fights: 8-0, 3 KO
Last Five Opponents: 150-15-1 (.907)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Krzysztof Glowacki UD12; Marco Huck TKO10; Mairis Briedis MD12; Murat Gassiev UD12; Anthony Joshua UD12
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Tony Bellew TKO8

vs.

Anthony Joshua

Age: 32
Current Titles: None
Previous Titles: IBF heavyweight (2016-19, 6 Defenses; 19-21, 1 Defense); WBA heavyweight (2017-19, 3 Defenses; 19-21, 1 Defense); WBO heavyweight (2018-19, 1 Defense; 19-21, 1 Defense); IBO heavyweight (2017-19, 3 Defenses; 19-21, 1 Defense)
Height: 6’6
Weight: 244.5 lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Record: 24-2, 22 KO, 1 KOBY
Press Rankings: #2 (TBRB, Ring), #3 (BoxRec), #4 (ESPN)
Record in Major Title Fights: 9-2, 7 KO, 1 KOBY
Last Five Opponents: 145-4 (.973)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Charles Martin KO2; Dominic Breazeale TKO7; Wladimir Klitschko TKO11; Carlos Takam TKO10; Joseph Parker UD12; Alexander Povetkin TKO7; Andy Ruiz TKO by 7, UD12; Kubrat Pulev KO9; Oleksandr Uyk L12
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None

[orbtastic]

Anyone looking to the Ruiz rematch for any sort of form guide is looking past the fact Ruiz lost the fight before a punch was thrown.