I see where you're coming from... but Ikes edge in mentality, activity, and durability make him far superior to AJ in reality (imo). Imo, AJ is the type that would look better on a heavy bag workout, and maybe look better against lower opposition that he's able to showcase skills against, but as the level rises Ikes attributes separates him from AJ. Iked mentality, grit and activity would make a big difference in this matchup against Usyk, imo. Ike UD or late TKO for me.
He hasn't beaten prime versions of those fighters though, Wladimir was 40+ and coming off a loss and a huge lay off, Povetkin was also old and past his best. Parker is arguably the best fighter Joshua has beaten in his prime. Tua was undefeated when Ibeabuchi beat him, and Ibeabuchi was the first man to stop Byrd. Byrd would be Joshua's 2nd best win.
I should also mention Wladimir literally came within inches of knocking Joshua out, and imo would've done so, had he not listed to his brother's advice.
I remember saying to Curtis Cokes I think Ike is the real deal . He grinned & said "No ones nailed him yet can he take it as well as dish it out" ? Well he was fighting a guy from Houston, I think his name was Pickrom, He caught Ike with a real haymaker Ike , shook his head grunted & took off after his opponent & took him out. Curtis caught my eye from the ring put up this thumb With a great smile. He said afterwards "If Ike can take a shot like that & stay on his feet you were right we got the makings in Ike. It was a tragedy how his career ended for him & for Curtis Every trainer wants to train the Heavyweight Champion of the World
Ike did outbox Tua he won the fight legitimately, Tua was never the same fighter after that one. In all fairness Ike took some hefty shots in return. Was a great fight. Had the most punches landed in a HW contest over 12 rounds ever
Oh I'm aware, Ike probably nicked the decision. I just don't think it was the smartest strategy against a limited guy like Tua.
Wlad for one would have stomped Ike. Yes, even 40 year old Wlad. Povetkin is better than Ike - although I do agree that that version was somewhat long in the tooth. Dillian Whyte was slap bang in his prime and undefeated when AJ sent him to the shadow realm. He went on to have several above average wins before running into Povetkin's uppercut. Ruiz is no joke either.
That Wlad didn't stop even Bryant Jennings and he is going to stop Ike Ibeabuchi. Sure. Povetkin was always average; he would get stopped in the 90s multiple times...