Former coach of the current unified heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) is an American specialist James Ali Bashir gave
interview for a British blogger.
In a conversation, the mentor expressed his opinion about Usyk’s preparation for the upcoming rematch with ex-champion from Britain Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) based on the Ukrainian’s sparring partners.
The specialist also once again commented on the possible impact of the Russian war against Ukraine on Alexander. In addition, the coach responded to the words about Joshua of the American martial arts columnist Teddy Atlas.
– It’s no secret that Anthony Joshua will not fight Usyk this time. We know that he will put pressure on him. But Usyk levels it. He will challenge Joshua and put him on his back foot. He levels this power.
I don’t think this fight will go 7 rounds. In any case, someone will be knocked out. I believe that Usyk is preparing for battle. I don’t know how it will go inside the ring, but he’s getting ready to fight. My opinion is based on his two sparring partners: Martin Bakola and Alexander Zakhozhy. I think they are preparing him for battle. They know that Joshua will fight, and they are preparing to meet him.
Shot of the day: Oleksandr Usyk and Oleksandr Zakhozhiy in the hall
“People are still worried that Usyk was in the war. They believe that he will not be the same fighter. Should this be taken into account?
“I keep talking to these people. Listen to me. Listen to me carefully! This will not affect Oleksandr Usyk! He’s not that kind of guy. Listen to me carefully now. He is not that kind of person. When he thinks about a task, he will do it. He won’t be distracted. He already knows what he will do, how he will fight. He already knows all this. He understands that there is a war going on right now, but he is the kind of person who can put that aside and get the job done.
Teddy Atlas thinks Joshua has made too much money and doesn’t have the same hunger to become a three-time world champion. Do you believe in it?
– I believe that Anthony Joshua has a desire to become a three-time world champion. Anthony Joshua understands who he is, where he is and what he needs to do. He closes his money in the bank, he understands that. But now the issue is legacy. And Anthony Joshua wants to be the guy who leaves a legacy. So he will kick his ass in a fight. It will be a very good fight. This fight could go down in history because there are two fighters who are going to hurt each other. Who want to impress all viewers. So I just want to sit back and watch it in silence. But it will be a good fight.
The analyst found an important factor in the preparation of Joshua for Usyk, compared with Ali
– I know you think that we have not yet seen the best Oleksandr Usyk. Think it will be in the future. You also said that in the first fight with Joshua we still haven’t seen a better Usyk.
– Not certainly in that way. Usyk is a fighter who holds back. Give him free rein in this fight and he will do a lot more.
– Do you think Usyk was holding back because of the future revenge?
No, I just think he was being careful. They just wanted to take the titles as easily as possible. Anthony is a big guy and one of those punches from Anthony Joshua could knock you out.