Former WBO heavyweight champion New Zealander Joseph Parker (30-2, 21 KOs) considers the current unified division champion Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) as a favorite ahead of a rematch with the previous owner of the WBA Super, IBF and WBO belts Briton Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs).
In 2018, Parker lost his unification title to Joshua, so firsthand
knows about the strengths of the British: “He will always be a dangerous fighter. Since he has that very natural heavyweight power, he can not only shock, but also knock out. The question is what what’s going on in his head now, what he’s thinking about, what wave he’s on… I don’t know. We’ll see soon.”
“Understand, you can really get the coolest physical shape. A form you’ve never had before. But if you do not have the necessary psychological attitude, then the physical form will not help you. Think it’s just a waste of time. Joshua… He was a great champion and he could very well be back on top again. It all depends on him and his new team. The question is, did they do their homework. Have they made changes to his boxing. Will he be able to cope with everything that Usyk will offer him this time, ”Parker argues.
In September last year in London (England), Usyk beat Joshua by decision. The second fight will take place on August 20 in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
Parker’s prediction: “I would bet on Usyk to win, as he will definitely have the confidence in his abilities, acquired in their first face-to-face fight.”
Have you seen Oleksandr Usyk playing unusual tennis in preparation for a rematch with Joshua? We have video. And the champion showed his form two weeks before the fight.
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