It’s no secret that the British ex-heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) is going to act more aggressively in the upcoming rematch against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) in order not to repeat the mistakes of the first fight lost on points last September.
At the same time, Joshua’s aggression alone is not enough, and in order to win, he will definitely need to knock out Usyk.
About it in an interview
secondsout said AJ’s British promoter, Eddie Hearn.
“Usyk doesn’t like to miss hits, especially to the body, and it’s no secret to anyone that Anthony should be more aggressive in a rematch (than in the first fight). But just adding aggression will not be enough, says Hearn. “Robert Garcia was very clear that you need not one but two or three game plans and you have to be able to adapt as the fight goes on because Usyk is very, very good and extremely smart.”
“Joshua needs to be more aggressive, and he knows that defeat is not an option for him, only victory is needed,” the functionary emphasized. – I really believe that he can knock out Usyk. He will stop him in a rematch because he has to. Because he has no other choice.”
“I don’t think Anthony can afford to just outbox him and beat him on points. He has to be aggressive, and I think he will try and win by knockout,” Eddie concluded.
Recall that the heavyweight rematch is scheduled for August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
“As long as Usyk has legs, he is the favorite.” British coach’s thoughts on rematch