Anthony Joshua: “At The End Of September Is When I’ll Be Taking On The Former Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion Of The World”

By: Hans Themistode

Anthony Joshua all the time tries to play it cool. The present unified heavyweight titlist not often reveals his feelings however following the fallout of his undisputed showdown towards Tyson Fury, Joshua was visibly apoplectic.

Whereas Joshua believed he had a deal in place to face Fury, Deontay Wilder swooped in and seized the showdown proper from beneath his nostril. The 2 will now face off on July twenty fourth in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Compelled to vary course, Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) is now deep in negotiations with obligatory challenger and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk. At present, a number of small wrinkles are nonetheless being ironed out between each side however Joshua is firmly of the idea that the Ukrainian can be his subsequent dance companion. Though an official contract hasn’t been signed, Joshua let the cat out of the bag in phrases when he expects to face the previous Olympic gold medalist.

“I wished to go like August however change of opponent, fully totally different type, the staff mentioned push it again somewhat bit, put together correctly,” mentioned Joshua throughout an interview with Sky Sports activities Boxing. “This can be a battle I must win as a result of I used to be on the last vacation spot on that highway to undisputed however now we now have a pit cease we now have to make with Usyk. On the finish of September is once I’ll be taking up the previous undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world.”

Whereas the fallout between Joshua and Fury was in the end disappointing to a lot of the boxing world, to Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), it was music to his ears. Ever since successful all 4 main world titles within the cruiserweight division in 2018, Usyk has tried to make his mark within the land of the massive males. In October of 2019, Usyk simply stopped journeymen Chazz Witherspoon. He then adopted that up with a detailed unanimous choice victory over the tough and rugged Dereck Chisora.

The wins could have allowed him to get acclimated to preventing larger males, nevertheless it hasn’t caused ringing endorsements concerning his future within the division. For instance, shortly after his defeat, Chisora claimed that Usyk has “no energy” and has “no probability” towards the higher echelon of the burden class. Within the thoughts of Joshua, he echoes these sentiments, at the very least to a sure extent. Whatever the numerous world titles Usyk has gained in a decrease weight class and regardless of his novice pedigree, when questioned in regards to the hazard that Usyk presents to him within the ring, Joshua didn’t stammer when answering.

“None,” continued Joshua. “I worry none of them. He don’t carry nothing I ain’t seen earlier than. Two fingers, two legs, a mind and a little bit of coronary heart. He’s a superb fighter, I’m difficult myself in coaching. So yeah, let’s get it on.”