To be honest, after re-watching his fight with Joyce I give Usyk a shot here. Now the WSB is a 5 round fight and there can be an argument that Usyk was better back then, but I wouldn't count Usyk completely out.
I really do think that Usyk can do it but had have to be on form for the first 6 rounds. He's head and shoulders above AJ skill wise but as much as I hate AJ, he's an athlete who as flawed as he is has the size that could neutralise Usyk's skill.
It would be very difficult for Usyk to win this fight. He would have to be extremely concentrated and constantly moving and feinting. He should avoid getting in the infight because Joshua would rim him apart with counterpunches. He would have to try fighting a bit like David Haye with an in and out fighting style trying not to get hit and winning the rounds by being more effective and controlling the rhythm of the fight. It's not impossible for him to win but i would give Joshua a chance of 75% winning this fight. I think Joshua would eventually get to him and knock him out. Would be a very interesting matchup.
Have faith. I simply don't rate Joshua's offensive footwork highly enough to make the size advantage count for as much as it should. He struggled to pin Takam or Parker against the ropes for any lengthy period of time and Usyk is a far more adept mover than either of those. I also think the jab of Usyk's will exacerbate Joshua's stamina issues by constantly making him reset and waste energy chasing Usyk this way and that, much like we saw against Gassiev. From the 6th or 7th onwards it will become a cake walk for Usyk. I won't in the slightest write Joshua off, he is a very good counter puncher to be fair and could quite conceivably catch the Cat coming into the pocket, but all things considered I comfortably favour Usyk. His ring IQ and great chin mean Joshua will have to land more than just the solitary punch that many of his more ardent supporters claim.
Usyk wide UD with fair referees and judges Anthony Jenner's size saves him from his limited game & Eddie's refs make sure Jenner doesn't have to fight mid range or inside
