ESPN sports television network boxing expert, former champion in two categories, American Timothy Bradley talked to the British media.
ex-champion
shared his opinion about the second fight of the unified heavyweight champion Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) against the former holder of three British titles Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs), which is scheduled for August 20 in Saudi Arabia. Timothy finds it difficult to name the winner of the future confrontation, but he sees chances for the ex-champion from Britain.
– Who do you think will win the Joshua-Usyk rematch, and do you think that Tyson Fury will fight the winner, and what will happen in such a fight?
“I don’t know what Tyson Fury will do. Tyson talks a lot. I know Tyson Fury needs boxing and I think Tyson Fury needs boxing to be honest. It will be a good fight, to be honest.
I think Usyk’s second fight with Joshua will be interesting. We have seen Joshua rebuild in the past. When he fought Ruiz (in a rematch), he boxed, he rebuilt. He is an Olympic champion, he can do it. He knows how to improve. I think it’s more psychological for Joshua. I think technically he can improve in certain areas, but he needs to get stronger mentally. You will go against a guy like Usyk, who is mentally strong. This guy is fearless, he’s a terrific boxer: offense, back leg, lots of movement – he’s hard to deal with. He’s smaller, yes, but he’s able to find those small gaps to take advantage of those moments when the big heavyweight stands still. And he is able to inflict imperceptible blow.
How much Usyk and Joshua will earn for the rematch? Know the British media
Who do I see as the winner in the rematch? It’s complicated. I won’t lie, I’m not sure. I need to rewatch the first fight to see what improvements Joshua can make. I know that he did very well when he attacked Usyk’s body, that there is a larger target. You need to aim there, especially if the opponent moves the head and moves a hell of a lot. So if he comes out and starts attacking the body at a steady pace from the very beginning… No need for recklessness, need a steady controlled pace, let loose with his arms and don’t try to put too much power into punches from the start. Just try to touch it. I think he has a chance to beat Usyk, but we’ll see.
