So, what happens when Joshua losses to Usyk a third time?

I’d have to watch it again but I think Joshua did literally close the gap a bit as compared to fight 1.

Joshua executed some nice, effective body work but late in the fight.

Of course, despite those successes, Usyk proved that he can take big shots (head and body) without folding like a cheap tent and that he can also come back with a vengeance.

In the rematch, Usyk did appear that little bit regressed within himself though still clearly superior.

 

Big Joshie can absolutely win the third fight.
He almost won while losing because he's the walking embodiment of liberal privilege and capital.
The fact Usyk couldn't stop him twice gives him a significant chance.
All the future mayor of London has to do is 'win' another round or two and not get stopped and he can 'win' on a few cards.
Usyk is getting older and after two gruelling Fury fights, could be somewhat reduced.
Hearn is licking his chops, lining up Usyk's corrupt management for a nice little British trap.

 

Post of the day.

 

Also really like AJ as a fighter so this is no put down, but I don't think he fancies this fight. But of course he won't have many other options after Usyk-Fury 2 if Usyk says he wants AJ for all the belts next. Perhaps take one fight in between and let Usyk age a bit more, but in the end I don't think he'll run from undisputed, even though he knows deep down that Usyk is the better fighter.

So I think we'll get it next year, which I think is too bad really because it could well be the end of the road for both. And that's a shame with Zhang, Kabayel, Bakole etc out there. There are so many more interesting match-up to be made than Usyk-AJ 3.

Of course, Dubois might make all of this moot next weekend. And Fury can also beat Usyk, even though I think it has to be through robbery.

 

I had the second fight 7 - 5 for Usyk, Usyk has gotten a little slower, Joshu seems to have gotten better, so I don't think it's out of the question that Joshua beats him.

 

Western boxing fans will continue saying "Usyk is a good heavyweight but he's not ATG".

 

I don't think so either. But Usyk ageing would probably make a crucial difference, which would hollow out the win. Would much rather see fights with Parker/Zhang, Kabayel, Bakole for both.

 

I think that is extremely optimistic.

 

As Joshua continues to rise in historical status, I think they will have no argument.

 

What happens is that AJ again blames his trainer instead of himself

AJ then beats 4 bums and then Eddie Hearn goes round saying AJ is the best in the world again

 

Confidence can add to your game. A fighter who thinks he's the best, genuinely, he's a dangerous fighter. That can bridge the gap in ability.

Joshua can't beat Usyk at pure boxing over 12 rounds. Joshua does have a few weapons, the counter right hand can catch Usyk coming in, it's a shot Joshua would throw if he was full of confidence.

 

We’ll know more about where AJs current level is after next weekend. As mentioned in this thread, prime for prime Usyk is the better man but he looked considerably slower in the Fury fight.
I’d watch a 3rd fight.

 

1st staying on the outside didnt work
2nd closing the distance didnt work
3rd patience and waiting to land the right hand might be theonly chance left...and that is hardly a winning mentality.

 

Even if AJ beats Dubois.

I'm sure there's an aptly titled Roderick David Stewart cover song that will tell the tale.

 

AJ lowered his level of opposition to boost his confidence. It's all smoke and mirrors, Usyk would beat him conclusively in a third fight.