Ahead of Anthony Joshua's rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Deontay WIlder have both delivered their verdicts on who they believe will win the fight. Both the WBC champion Fury and its former incumbent Wilder seem to believe that Usyk will beat Joshua following the Ukrainian's win last autumn.
Fury and Wilder played out a thrilling trilogy between 2018 and 202 1, with a draw followed by two wins for Fury which re-established the Gypsy King as world heavyweight champion. Despite their differences as boxers, both appear to be backing Usyk in the rematch, with the Ukrainian also odds-on favourite with the bookies.
Wilder is yet to announce his next fight but is still active and said in a video call with Elie Seckbach alongside trainer Malik Scott why he is backing Usyk. “I’m going with Usyk here, man,” He added. "I’m going with Usyk, and I think many people are [due to the first fight]. You know, it’s boxing at the end of the day, so you know – we’ll see. But I think it’s Usyk.”
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Joshua was able to win his rematch against Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia in 2019 which could be a good omen for the Londoner, but his rival Fury also believes that the 35-year-old Ukrainian will win the fight. The Gypsy King will keep a close eye on the outcome of the fight, with his next opponent being touted as a unification bout against the victor.
Fury said in an interview with journalist Gareth A Davies after the rematch was announced: “In heavyweight boxing, it only takes one punch," he said. "It wasn’t a complete landslide last time, Usyk had a lot of marks on his face, he was cut up.
“He’s not hard to hit, Usyk, he’s right there in front of you. So Joshua can obviously land a big punch, but I just think that Usyk’s too cute for him. Too smart, too quick, and a southpaw."
“And I think that [new trainer] Robert Garcia trying to train him to be on the front foot or whatever and be aggressive will only enable Usyk to land more often. I just don’t see it, but then again, what do I know? Nothing about boxing. I’m heavyweight champion of the world, undefeated all of that stuff.
“Anyone can win a fight as we’ve seen many, many times and it’s a good time to beat Usyk now isn’t it? Because [his country] have been at war. Everything’s up in the air. If ever he was ever gonna be off his ball, now would be the time.
“But I just think Usyk’s too good of a boxer for AJ and I don’t think AJ’s got the ability to pressurise him for 12 rounds, drag him into a dog fight and knock him out. You have to be an elite special human being for that and I don’t think Joshua possesses that will to win to do that.
“He’s too easily happy to come second position. “If you’re willingly setting for second, say no more.”
