Anthony Joshua Opens Up on Change of Opponent and Fighting Style: “It’s a Mental Bout”

On September 25th, Anthony Joshua will take up his very first fight of 2021 against Oleksandr Usyk. In this bout, Joshua will defend his multiple heavyweight titles, so as to align himself for an undisputed fight ahead. Prior to getting set with Oleksandr Usyk, ‘AJ’ was all set to battle his compatriot, Tyson Fury. However, because of some external factors, this fight failed to materialize. Hence, Joshua had to change his entire game-plan and fight style.

More than anyone else, the unified champ was eager to take on the undisputed fight over anything else. But now, he’ll have to bring in major transitions in his training camp to be able to fare well against the Ukrainian boxer.

Recently, ‘AJ’ took a tour of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the location for his fight with Usyk will take place. He released a video about the same, wherein he spoke about the above-mentioned juncture.

He said, “I’ve got a southpaw in front of me, so things will change up. But I’ll be more than ready, and it’s a mental bout. So yeah, I’ll be mentally ready, physically ready as well.”

Joshua is one of the smartest boxers at present. He is capable of making spontaneous adjustments in a fight. That said, more than his strength, the Brit relies on his mental game to set up his opponents on his radar. And once he decodes his adversary’s style, Joshua lands his dynamite-like hands to close the show.

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This approach has helped him embark on a sensational career in the sport. Moving into his fight with Usyk, the Hertfordshire native will look to continue said sensational run.

Can Anthony Joshua T/KO Oleksandr Usyk and add another gratifying win to his name?

The 31-year-old is an absolute devastator. In his vast boxing career, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist has smothered several opponents with the same. He knows a win against Usyk will help him get the bout against the WBC champion. Hence, he will look to make a statement and T/KO Usyk.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 03: Anthony Joshua looks on ahead of the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Clash On The Dunes Public Work Out at Public at the Investment Fund office complex on December 03, 2019 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

That said, Usyk, who will walk in as an underdog in this fight, might be on the receiving end of the wrath coming from the British boxer.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Ukrainian boxer plans to tackle Joshua. Will he be able to do so? Or will the latter go all out to register his second consecutive T/KO win? Who will you be rooting for in this contest?

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