Usyk says he thought AJ would be tougher

A change of tactics that seem to amount to "come forward". Bad news for Johnny is that AJ actually was moving forward most of the fight, he just had no way of cutting off Usyk so the fight took place in the centre of the ring. They talk as if AJ moving forwards means Usyk is just going to back up in a straight line on to the ropes.

Johnny is lucky he's charismatic.

 

it is possible that Jeff Fenech thought this same thing about Azumah Nelson after their first fight.

 

My point was more about saying someone is not tough and then having a different outcome. Certainly no one can compare AJ with Nelson at this point.

 

Usyk is gods gift to boxing. I finally said it. All intelligent boxing fans were thinking it but it is what it is.

 

Well, my comment was more about the simple fact that the rematch was much harder for Fenech than the initial fight which most thought he should have gotten the decision. In that fight, there was talk of Nelson having malaria, so that was the excuse. In the rematch he blew Fenech out. Fenech probably thought the rematch would be much different since the first fight he was the aggressor. And in this next weekend to look at rematches or rubbermatches, the Fury fight this next weekend, Wilder has to have a bigger advantage than he did in the second fight just because Fury cannot be as motivated this time around. I give Wilder a chance with that one punch power and Fury having to do this again when he really should not have had to.. One lapse in concentration and Wilder could win. Fury has to stay motivated and concentrated.. It will be hard after 2 fights where he put out his all.

 

I doubt Usyk thought AJs gameplan was to give him control of the center of the ring from round one and never attempt to impose any of his size advantage so it makes sense he expected a tougher fight from AJ