Finally, the long ride of Usyks heavyweight hype is at its crossroads. Will be a refreshingly significant fight at least, either way.
I am really sorry excited about this fight and I think that Usyk will pull off a shock win. I think he weathers the early storm stays out of range. Then from round 3 onwards breaks AJ down by constant pressure. AJ is absolutely exhausted in this fight in the late rounds but just about hangs on and doesn’t get stopped late. This will then lead to a rematch. AJ in this fight needs to seriously hurt Usyk early otherwise he is in trouble.
I don't see Usyk pulling off the upset, I've not seen anything from him since moving up that impresses me. I imagine a lot of the people who are picking Usyk are the same ones that were convinced AJ would duck him, so they will be wrong yet again in their picks when AJ stops him late on.
I like Joshua to stop him between rounds 9-11. Haven't seen anything from Usyk that makes me believe he can earn the respect of AJ or avoid getting clipped for a whole fight. Could foresee a Joshua wide UD as well.
Usyk, even if deserved, would not be able to achieve a decision on a Matchroom card, especially with all that is at stake. I can't pick a winner in this one, but I think it will be enjoyable because Usyk will come with ambition. It's a legitimate top level bout that will be an excellent stamp on the winner's record.
I think Usyk will make a good account of himself early but eventually will slow down and start to get hit and will get stopped around the 10th round.
It will be a harder fight than Ruiz2 and likely a lot harder than Pulev for me. Don't see Joshua getting a stoppage unless it's off the honest mistake Brit variety. I don't think Usyk can win a decision in London either.
Not liking Usyk's extra weight / current training approach. But still think for Usyk it is about getting through the first 3 rounds, and getting a rythym going. The longer the fight goes, the more it favours Usyk - unless the extra weight / new training approach are as detrimental to his stamina nad mobility as I fear they might be. I don't dislike Joshua, but feel he has never really faces anyone as slick, fast with the volume / angles that Usyk brings (he struggled mightily with a faded Wlad), he didn't stop Parker or Ruiz in the rematch, and only got Takam out of there on a poor stoppage. Usyk's never really looked in any trouble - even against Chisora, so plenty interesting dimensions to this one. The biggest test in this one for Joshua IMO is mental - Usyk has a slightly maniacal glint, always hugely confident, and as Bellew said, is mentally draining on his opponent. Hopefully this fight get's the best out of both fighters!
