In September, the World Boxing Village will meet the heavy champion Anthony Joshua (January 24, 22 KOS) on the stage. Joshua protects the belt against the challenge that the WBO appointed Oleksandr Usyk (18-0, 13 KOS), the absolute champion of Cruiserweight before he moved to Heavyweight.
Although still at the upper door at many rafters websites, Anthony Joshua's victory is not really ten. In contrast, Oleksandr USYK is considered to be one of the most difficult rivals that Joshua faces at this time. USYK hits the left, agile, more flexible and worth mentioning that it is more durable than Anthony Joshua.
That's why Eddie Hearn was quite worried about Joshua's next belt protection.
“This may be a match that makes Anthony Joshua's career go to Tong, if he does not focus his best,” Hearn said in an interview of Sky Sports. “Aj needs to be more cruel. He needs to show the cruelty of Derek Chisora, but also need to deceive more sharper.”
Sharing the match of Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk was negotiated quickly after Joshua was unable to unify the belt with Tyson Fury, Eddie Hearn said that the consensus of the two punches was the main reason why the match was completed so quickly.
“This match is a huge opportunity for USYK, he always wants to become a heavy champion. Joshua is simply like a good battle. We all know this match will be very difficult. We all know it will be very complicated. But we can do anything else.”
Not only is holding the achievements in 18 professional boxing matches, Oleksandr Usyk has never lost a boxing match for 12 years, since he lost to the Egor Mekhontsev at the World Championship in Milan in 2009. This will certainly not be an easy opponent for Anthony Joshua.