Anthony Joshua has revealed how he is preparing to defeat mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk when he defends his WBO title next year.
Anthony Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz Jr recently to reclaim his heavyweight titles.
The unified champion is now required to face Oleksandr Usyk and Kubrat Pulev in mandatory title defences.
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‘A Very Credible Opponent’
Joshua says he would be proud to have victories over the likes of Usyk on his resume.
Talking to Sky Sports, he said: “A heavyweight challenger that will be in my eyesight for the end of March or early-April.”
“A very credible opponent.”
“When I’m trying to build my record, I want opponents like Usyk to say that I’ve defeated them.”
“He uses his feet very well, and positions his hands well. You can’t hit him because his feet move so well. If you do manage to catch him, [the punches] are brushing off the gloves.”
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Research
AJ also revealed how he intends to defeat the Ukrainian, and says he intends to gather as much intel as possible before stepping into the ring.
He continued: “What I’d do, as I have done already, is study him – from his footwork, his hand positioning, to his openings.”
“Then I’d go to former people who have faced him and find out information on how to defeat him.”
Usyk was the undisputed cruiserweight champion until March 2019 when he vacated his titles and looked to make the move up to heavyweight.
Usyk has since beaten Chazz Witherspoon in his heavyweight debut to extend his unbeaten professional record to 17-0.
Talking about Usyk’s jump to heavyweight, AJ said: “Usyk is a great cruiserweight, the undisputed cruiserweight champion, who has decided to move up to heavyweight to mix it with the big boys.”
“He’s still exploring the division but he wants a piece of the big pie – he’s more than welcome to try to take this out of my hands.”
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‘A Good Fight’
With Pulev the forerunner to be AJ’s next challenger, Usyk does have the option to get another bout in before he challenges for the WBO title, with Dereck Chisora looking the likely opponent.
His manager Egis Klimas told Sky Sports: “If it is possible to fight in between and not to wait for another six months, I think Chisora will be a good fight for Usyk.”
Meanwhile, Joshua has offered his services to Tyson Fury as a sparring partner, as the ‘Gypsy King’ prepares to face Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Sky Sports Boxing and BT Sports Boxing)