Cutman of the unified heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) from Ukraine Alexander Usik (19-0, 13 KOs) Russ Anber in
interview the blogger was told new details of the deal on the purchase of television rights to show Usyk’s upcoming revenge against the former British champion Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) in Ukraine.
Also in the conversation, the Canadian specialist and owner of the Rival boxing equipment company commented on the change of the British coach.
— I want to talk about Usyk and the situation with Ukraine. The fact that his country is at war, family members and friends are involved in this trouble, could somehow affect the preparation? Of course, he won’t say that it distracts him, but will it help him defend titles?
“Listen, for someone else, I would be worried about the mental state in connection with what is happening in his homeland, in his country, but Usyk is so strong psychologically that this will be a source of motivation for him. Not a source of frustration. It will be a source of pride for him. This will be an opportunity for him, as he will have the whole warring nation behind him and he will represent it at the world level. It’s more pressure than he’s had before, but he’s built into it, he loves it – that’s how he operates and that’s how he handles it.
- Photo of Anthony Joshua a week before the rematch with Usyk
He was so willing to give something to Ukraine that he wanted to buy television rights for the country and show the fight to Ukrainians for free. The Saudis were so impressed with this gesture that they gave him these rights for free. Therefore, the fight will be broadcast in Ukraine, and this shows how important it is for him. He will carry this burden just as Joe Louis carried this burden on his shoulders, personifying the Western world when he fought Schmeling in the second fight. Schmeling was a symbol of Aryan superiority, even if he didn’t want to be in that role. Joshua is not in that role, but Usyk’s country is suffering. And Usyk has deep roots in his country, and love for his country and its people. I think it will motivate him and give him extra fuel for two rounds. It will be phenomenal for him.
What do you think of Anthony Joshua’s new coach, Robert Garcia? You know him very well, what do you think of this change?
Every fighter reacts to change differently. Every fighter reacts differently to defeat. I remember Anthony after the first loss and the pressure he was under at Madison Square Garden when everyone tried to blame the loss on something else. Joshua said it was his fault. He accepted defeat and, as a result, came back with a masterful performance against Ruiz for the second time. It’s also fair to say that the same Ruiz didn’t show up in the second fight, but another Joshua came along and took back the titles.
- Usyk completed preparations for a rematch with Joshua: photo with sparring and team
Garcia is a proven winner. Garcia will say and do the right things. I don’t believe he will make a mistake. And that’s what Joshua needs to bring out the best in him. And then the phrase comes into play: “Let the best win.” Will a better Joshua be enough for a better Usyk? That’s why we have fights and that’s why we have anticipation on both sides and a divided group of people who believe that one will beat the other.
I will never consider that the invitation of Robert Garcia will be a huge advantage. That’s not the point here. He will be a plus for Joshua. Not to say that Rob McCracken wasn’t, but it’s a plus that Anthony feels he needs. For some reason, he believes that he needs him and will make him a better fighter. That’s what makes it dangerous.
Big and aggressive Usyk will be knocked out, Joshua’s promoter foresees.
