Pretty sure Usyk said he could have knocked AJ out In the early rounds but got told not to by his corner and to stick to the plan. Usyk within 6.
Usyk comes out sharp, dominates early. Starts peppering AJ, increasing the pressure. Mid rounds AJ lands a clean punch which pushes Usyk back. AJ steps forward and throws a combo. The ref has seen enough. AJ wins via TKO Some Usyk fanboys will contest the stoppage, but AJ has destructive power. And Usyk has a family. Got to think of protecting the fighters in the long term.
Joshua will lose again and he knows it, Usyk is all wrong for him. If Joshua loses again, then he will have to fight for the opportunity again, fighting with other fighters such as Hrgovic, Makhmudov, etc...
If AJ loses i see him walking off into the sunset healthy, wealthy and wise, wise in knowing when to retire. I cannot see AJ will have any wish to fight himself back into contention again.
I picked Usyk to beat AJ by decision, but thought he may get jobbed. The cards were closer than they should have been. That said, I did not think AJ would be Ruiz in the rematch. However, I also didn't think Ruiz would put on 20 lbs. of fat, not train seriously, etc. AJ did a great job of adjusting because he boxed Ruiz and did not get into a firefight. The difference with Usyk though, is the fact that AJ was soundly out boxed AND hurt. He was too slow and to be blunt, just not good enough to beat Usyk. I don't see where AJ can win here aside from KO (which is possible at HW) because he isn't and wasn't better than Usyk anywhere. He's slower, has worse footwork, worse stamina, has worse head movement, a worse chin, etc. I would be very surprised in AJ won. I think Usyk does the same thing to AJ. If AJ tries to KO him, he will get countered and stopped, likely late due to Usyk's stamina.
Joshua will try the box him from a distance ala Ruiz 2 and go for the points win, but I see Usyk catching him and knocking him out in round 8 or 9.
August in Saudi Arabia? There are question marks over AJ's stamina. How long will he be able to last in that heat?
Sorry, I didn't realise. Wouldn't an August indoor event in Saudi Arabia with thousands in attendance still be hot even with aircon?