Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson Says Anthony Joshua need to use some boxing fundamentals if he is to beat Oleksandr Usyk in the second round.
Brother challenge the Ukrainians on August 20 in Saudi Arabia when he bid to win back three heavyweight titles, he lost to Usyk last year.
Joshua’s baffling performance on the night drew criticism as he managed to restrain his opponents at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The loss of points led to the firing of coach Robert McCracken with Robert Garcia was brought in as a substitute to try to guide AJ back to the top.
In one episode of his Hotboxin’ podcast to guest Rosie Perez, Tyson said this about the first fight:
“Everybody has a reason when they lose, no one has an excuse that they won.”
“But when you get to this level of the game, only the smartest wins.”
“That’s why that Usyk beat Joshua to death. He’s smart, too fast, his jab is too fast.”
During his heyday, ‘Iron’ Mike won his first 19 matches by knockout before claiming his first world title at the age of 20 by knocking out Trevor Berbick two rounds in 1986. That victory was shared. meaning he became the youngest boxer to ever win a heavyweight belt, a record that still stands.
Tyson is famous for the physical and mental pressure he puts on boxers inside the ring and has had many defeated before the first ring. He went on to suggest that pressure will be key if Joshua wants to win his title back:
“If Joshua doesn’t know how to apply pressure or use his stroke, the same thing will happen.”
“He had to use his hook and his stab.”
