British heavyweight Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) is going to surprise the unified division champion Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) with his “African style” – they will fight on August 20 in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
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This will be the second head-to-head confrontation of the big guys in a row. In September last year in London (England), Usyk won by decision of the judges. On the eve of the second fight, Joshua changed his mentor – an experienced American-Mexican specialist Robert Garcia will be in his corner.
“We will see the “African style”, —
Joshua said. — But in symbiosis with the “Mexican style.” Both Africans and Mexicans are known for their hard work. I respect Mexican culture. Here (in Saudi Arabia?) I pray almost every day. And it definitely helps me get closer to God. Helps me psychologically and spiritually.”
The challenger stated that during the fight, “you hardly hear what they say to you in the corner (laughs). There’s so much pressure… If you manage to grab something, it’s just bits of information, not the whole thing. There, another factor comes to the fore – instinct. Fight in the ring – everything is on instincts. Yes, I will try to listen to my angle, but at the same time I also need to be intuitively smart. The people in my corner – Garcia and Fernandez or McCracken – they can’t win the fight for me. Mom and dad won’t help either. This will have to be done by me. And only me.”
Yesterday, another ex-world champion puncher Wilder said: “I could knock out Usyk, and Fury will have to retire.” And he also believes that Joshua is broken, it is necessary to bet on the Ukrainian.
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