By: Sean Crose
If anyone knows what it’s like to face Oleksandr Usyk, it’s former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Because Joshua lost his title to the skillful Ukrainian in 2021, then lost a rematch with Usyk in 2022. Then again, Joshua knows what it’s like to face Usyk, probably more than anyone else. Now, as Joshua prepares for a high-profile showdown with UFC heavyweight champion turned boxer Francis Ngannou, the towering Englishman has let the world know who he thinks will win the fight Upcoming fight between Usyk and WBC heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury. “I think Usyk will win,” Joshua said iFLTV.
In fact, Joshua has never met his fellow Brit Fury in the ring, even though the fighting world is salivating for that particular bout for what appears to be an ion. Despite knowing full well what Usyk brings to a fight, Joshua really has no idea what a fight with Fury will look like once the opening bell rings. Still, it’s interesting to see that Joshua chose Usyk over the flamboyant tantrum.
“Probably Fury, logically,” Joshua candidly admitted when asked who he wanted to win the Fury-Usyk fight, “because it’s a bigger fight. Well, that is if he (Fury) fights me, he always says he doesn’t want to fight. But it would be a bigger fight for me if he won. That’s the only reason I chose Fury, for my own good. Very selfish reasons.” Of course, there’s also the problem that Joshua not only lost to Usyk twice, but lost decisively both times. It’s unlikely the public will call for a third round between the two.
With all that said, Joshua faces a significant challenge this week. After all, he will fight Ngannou on Friday (US time). Honestly, it wouldn’t have been much of a fight if Ngannou hadn’t put Fury on the mat in his boxing debut a few months ago. Although Joshua is still expected to win against the mixed martial artist this weekend, there is no doubt that Ngannou has the strength, determination and perhaps even more skill than he lets on highly appreciated. However, Joshua looked comfortable and collected during the fight. iFLTV interview. In other words, he will most likely enter the ring this Saturday with confidence in his own abilities – essential if one wants to win a professional fight, whether that be is to fight a champion in the sport of boxing or a champion who makes the leap from another sport. Completely sporty.
