It is almost a year ago Nigerian born UK heavy weight champion, Anthony Joshua lost a fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Since Anthony lost the fight, they have been attempts to bring them back for Joshua to either get back his lost belt or for Usyk to validate his strength over Joshua.
Both boxers square off at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia in a bout dubbed the Rage on the Red Sea, as Joshua attempts to reclaim the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF heavyweight titles he lost to the Ukrainian in London last September.
Despite enjoying a height, size, reach, power and weight advantages over his unbeaten opponent, many former and current boxers like Tyson Fury, Mike Tyson, Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce and Kell Brooks, have tipped Usyk to retain his titles.
Similarly, promoter Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s coaches, Robert Garcia and Angel Hernandez, Tony Bellew, and former heavyweight champion David Haye have backed the 2-time heavyweight champion Joshua to reclaim his titles. Fight fans, pundits and journalists are equally divided as to who wins the fight.
Anthony Joshua is fully aware that once he’s beaten in a fight with Oleksandr Usyk, then it’s over for him. So, it’s not just about boxing protocols now, but revenge. He must be very careful with revenge because we remember how Wilder’s own went.
One fact here is that there is nothing that can stop a man that is destined for the very top. A little setback is an elixir for warrior to comeback with ruthlessness. Challenges are meant to strengthen the brave man. Greatness is achieved with determination, persistence and focus.
I know Joshua will still shut the mouths of the critics with an emphatic victory again. He can let the beast in him come out to unleash those deadly punches that he was known for.
It’s going to be very difficult for him, considering the fastness of his opponent. Though we don’t know how well he’s prepared for this career changing bout, but Usyk is just fresh from war which is a preparation on its own.
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