The former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is gearing up to meet the reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk for the second time. The highly anticipated heavyweight showdown is most likely to land on August 20 under the lights in Saudi Arabia, where the British boxer will attack to turn the tables on Usyk.
Since facing a humiliating defeat by an underdog Ukranian, Joshua has been calculating the reason that cost him his world title. Regarding this, the two-time unified heavyweight titlist made a new revelation. He recalled the first matchup of September 2021 and made a startling claim.
He said, “I swear I thought I was [winning]. I thought I was looking like Muhammad Ali in there. I’m not blaming anyone by saying that, but I didn’t get any impression I was losing. I thought we were well in it. That’s why when they announced [Usyk’s] name I was kind of like, ‘Huh?”
Boxing – Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk Weigh-in – The O2, London, Britain – September 24, 2021 Anthony Joshua during the weigh-in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Read more-Fans Take Issue With Tyson Fury’s ‘Defense of AJ’ Video
In reality, the former undisputed cruiserweight shocked the boxing world by dominating heavy favorite Joshua for most of the fight. Though at a height and power disadvantage, Usyk showcased great footwork and lightning speed that caught Joshua on several occasions. Finally, winning the bout by decision. On the other hand, Joshua had no answer to the cross-hand of Usyk and the latter’s jab kept Joshua from establishing his foot in the ring.
Why did Anthony Joshua change his trainer ahead of the rematch?
AJ believed that he did not have the kind of support from his corner that he was expecting. Comparing his corner with ‘pitstop’, Joshua claimed that too many voices in his corner disturbed him.
DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 04: Anthony Joshua speaks to the media during the Clash On The Dunes Press Conference at the Diriyah Season Hospitality Lounge on December 04, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
According to AJ the biggest blunder that his corner committed was that they did not inform him he was losing. So, in search of a better corner, Joshua left his old coach Robert McCracken and trusted the new trainer Robert Garcia. Before going under the wings of Garcia, Joshua struggled a lot.
Watch This Story – 5 Fighters Who Have a Chance of Beating Jake Paul
Will changing trainers make a difference for Joshua in a rematch? Let us know in the comments below.
The post “I Was Looking Like Muhammad Ali in There…”: Anthony Joshua Makes Startling Claim Regarding First Oleksandr Usyk Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
