Righto lads - not long now until fight now. I don't know about you, but I've been waiting to see Usyk against the 'elite' of the division. With the opposing fighting styles, I'm excited to see what Usyk brings on Sunday (NZ), and what Joshua does to keep him honest... I'm betting on Usyk to beat Joshua, including a knockdown or 2 along the way. Understandably, Joshua is the heavy favourite and I'm sure the general population of posters on this board would agree. For a bit of fun, and to raise the stakes - who's keen to do a forum avatar bet? Joshua wins - Those picking Usyk have AJ as your avatar for a 4 weeks Usyk wins - Those picking AJ have Usyk as your avatar for a 6 weeks (AJ is the favourite, hence the extra 2 weeks) If you're keen to jump on board and picking AJ reply below with: I'm betting AJ If you're keen to jump on board and picking Usyk reply below with: I'm betting Usyk
Sure is - it makes for a great match up. I've always rated Usyk as one of the best in the game, but his move to HW has been a little underwhelming to this point. Which arguably makes this match up even more interesting. It seemed that Usyk used the Witherspoon fight as a measuring stick. When he did let his hands go he looked great. Admittedly, not heavy-handed, but more than enough to trouble those with whisker issues. His movement and ability to work inside is going to be key, so I'm intrigued to see if Hearn has the ref in his pocket (like the Parker fight) to nullify that. Does Joshua have the one-punch power to drop/stop Usyk? I think he does. Usyk did seem uncomfortable at times against Chisora, so he will need to take educated risks against the significantly bigger man. Ruiz and Parker provided the blueprint on how to take the fight to Joshua and make him uncomfortable. If anyone is intelligent enough, or skilled enough to implement a game plan to beat AJ, it's Usyk.
I think if anybody is going to have to make adjustments it will be AJ. USYK isnt going to be a stationary target, usyk will be on the move here especially early on, but will eventually plant his feet and thats when we will see what hes made of. Can he take AJ'S punch? Can he hurt AJ? Does he have the skills to make adjustments himself as a heavyweight against arguably the biggest puncher in the division? Alot of questions for Usyk going into this fight saturday night.
Absolutely I'm weary that Usyk is a notoriously slow starter, so to really establish himself and gain Joshuas respect, I think he needs to use his speed to make Joshua weary of what he is willing to throw. His footwork is beautiful and Joshua isn't the slickest on his feet, so I expect Joshua to be there to hit. Against Witherspoon and Chisora he took too long to get going. Not such an issue against the limited Witherspoon and plodding Chisora, but Joshua fights off confidence. On the flipside, Joshua was pretty subdued against Pulev, not really willing to offer himself as a target. Throwing from the pocket and largely boxing Pulev from the outside - I don't think that approach will work against the much more skilled Usyk. Then again, I could be completely wrong. Usyk may come out charging, get clipped and stopped inside 4. That's what makes this match up exciting!
Yeah buddy! Do you reckon he stops Joshua? I'm not sure he puts him down for good, but it isn't unlikely. Joshua has trouble recovering once hurt... adding to that, Usyk is a great finisher and steps on the gas once he smells blood.
