I agree the 2nd fight is far from a foregone conclusion and I certainly don’t rule out a conclusive reversal. I am not sure Usyk can do much better but I can definitely see AJ doing much better. If they both do better then we are on for a treat.
Again, ''staying humble'' isn't an act AJ is making excuses, excuses which completely contradict his own words just two days before the fight, throwing his trainer/training team under the bus, refusing to give the most fearless warrior in the game and true class act in and out of the ring any credit. He's openly admitting he's going to cheat to beat him, is talking about murdering him and is seeking counsel from the entire world how to beat him, whereas, conversely, Usyk is as gracious, humble, classy and respectful after the fight towards him as he was before it. This content is protected Exclusive interview: The new WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion believes Anthony Joshua was a worthy adversary last month in London, but that he was simply the better man on the night. Exclusive interview: The new WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion believes Anthony Joshua was a worthy adversary last month in London, but that he was simply the better man on the night. New unified heavyweight champion of the world, Oleksandr Usyk, does not agree with the criticism directed by some towards the man he dethroned, Anthony Joshua, as he prepares for a rematch with ‘AJ’ in 2022. Usyk strode confidently into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England last month despite being considered the underdog, wearing the eye-catching ring gear of innovative clothing manufacturers Jaxet on his way to the ring and wearing the WBA, WBO and IBF title belts on his way out following a fantastic performance over 12 rounds to take a unanimous decision over the home hope. Usyk’s deserved win led to a sustained postmortem of the former two-time unified champ in the wake of his defeat, especially from British media. However Oleksandr told DAZN in an exclusive interview provided by Jaxet that Joshua’s efforts were far from sub-par. “It's unfortunate to hear that they are being harsh on Joshua's performance, because I was there in the ring with him and he was very good,” Usyk explained. “I really do not know where they find grounds for criticism. It was truly a brilliant fight. “I am now preparing for another challenging match against him next year and I will need to be at my best to keep my championships.” While defeat changed many’s perception of Joshua, and has seemingly prompted him to seek changes in his coaching staff and training approach in turn with a guaranteed rematch in his contract, life as a two-weight multi-belt champion is no different to usual for Usyk. He said: The day after I won the heavyweight championship, I felt calm. Now, a month later, I feel the same. “I am very proud to be the new champion but I mostly focus on just living my life and continuing to train hard in the gym in anticipation of the rematch.” Talk that ‘AJ’ could replace Rob McCracken with one of several world-class trainers as he attempts to once again avenge a professional loss hasn’t affected Usyk’s focus for his first championship defence at the maximum weight, either. “I am not sure who will train Joshua for the rematch,” said Usyk. “I have seen the speculation about who he may hire for next year but it does not matter to us who trains him. “Our goal is to be prepared for everything and I train to improve my own chances, not based on my opponent. “He also promised to be more aggressive and dangerous in the rematch. If that is the case, great. I’d be glad to experience that side of Joshua. I am sure it will be another brilliant fight.”
One query on your otherwise excellent post. Why has AJ mentioned murdering Usyk in the rematch? I am sure he intends to reverse the result conclusively but murder is a strong word.
Must have missed it but surely he does not mean to literally murder Usyk after all he is a boxer not a psychopath.
Really, to be authentic and convincing, he should have name-checked this dude... https://bit.ly/3CzUqeG
It is why it makes it a great fight, Usyk expecting a more determined aggressive AJ next and adjusting accordingly and naturally, if round twelve showed us anything it showed he can go up another gear...
Usyk knocks him out this time. AJ fought as well as he could and got a boxing lesson. This time he has two choices, box Usyk better with skills AJ doesn’t have or go for the KO and get knocked out - gas and get KOd. I believe AJ is going to try to slug it out with Usyk, and get KOd. Usyk is going to fight even better this time and make the stuff bodybuilder look slow and foolish before he knocks him out. Usyk was cautious, too cautious when AJ was in trouble. He’s going to take him into deep waters and wear him down with constant pressure and smart movement. Can’t wait for this one.
Tho I'd favour Wilder against Joshua (and also think that Usyk will win the rematch), one of the only measured assessments I've seen here AJ the bodybuilder... Slow/stiff/ponderous robot... every half decent heavyweight beats him... blah blah Nah, the rematch will not be easy for Usyk. However mentally shot Joshua is, he knows that his career at the very top is OVER if he loses this. I believe that he has enough hunger in him to bite down on his gumshield and go to war with this much on the line. He's a cringy PR product and not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he can make adjustments and he can fight.
He should have gone full WWE. He started strong, and I was ready to go along with the joke, but his energy and commitment quickly dropped off, and it became a very different kind of joke (kind of like watching Ricky Gervaise in the office). Yeah I was kind of disappointed that Joshua didn't acknowledge Usyk at the final bell. It's a common trend in Usyk's fights where he wants to celebrate his opponent and recognize the effort of the fight. Usyk looked to Joshua, but Joshua was already in his own head space. Meh, it's kind of understandable though.