WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will put his unified titles on the line against the Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday 25th September at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Our Picks:
Anthony Joshua to win @ 1.37
Anthony Joshua to win by KO @ 1.80
Anthony Joshua to win in rounds 9-12 @ 5.50
Anthony Joshua to win in round 9 @ 12.00
Realistically, it’s been clear that AJ has struggled with shorter fighters with good movement. Guys like Takam, Povetkin and Ruiz caused him problems that fighter closer to his height didn’t. Anyone expecting it to be an easy fight is very much mistaken. Usyk is his WBO mandatory, so winning frees him up from mandatory obligations for the foreseeable future. Especially as neither the IBF or WBA have declared a mandatory challenger yet. If AJ were to lose, he would still have a money spinning rematch and a chance to regain the titles.
AJ was a pretty slow starter against Pulev, just looking for counters which won’t come as easily against Usyk. If he repeats this, the fight can slip away from him as Usyk will build momentum. We’re hoping for a return of an aggressive AJ, but a more calculated version.
As for Usyk, we’re expecting in and out boxing, he won’t stay close for a second longer than he has to. This is what is going to cause AJ big problems. If Usyk is bulking up like rumours suggest then he’s getting knocked out. I think he should stay at 217, because no matter what he’ll never be as big and strong as AJ.
AJ has the tools to shutdown Usyk’s angles, but it’ll require real concentration and commitment to the game-plan to pull it off. Due to Usyk dropping 4 rounds to Chisora and a style that works considerably less well when he doesn’t have a physical or athletic edge on his opponent isn’t a good recipe against top Heavies. We think AJ is quick enough to catch Usyk, strong enough to hurt him. Of course Uysk has incredible boxing talent but we like AJ here. Late stoppage or a decision win via a couple KDs. AJ to win by KO rounds 9-12 @ 5.50.