Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) tested the skills of Oleksandr Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), although he admitted he was far from his best form at the time. Joyce shared his opinion on how the Ukrainian could fight Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) in two weeks.
The fight for AJ's IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts is scheduled for September 25 at Tottenham Stadium. The closer to the bout, the more balanced and cautious the experts' voices become. The Olympic vice-champion from Rio also gave his assessment of the chances of both.
"I'm not sure which version of Joshua we'll see in the ring, which only makes this fight even more interesting for me. Usyk is also capable of surprising. The Ukrainian will weigh a bit more, but will still do a great job on his feet. Joshua may try to keep him at bay with a jab like Wladimir Klitschko once did, but he may also attack him hard in search of a knockout. One thing I'm sure of, if AJ hits cleanly, he'll turn the lights out for Usyk. But will he be able to hit Usyk cleanly? This guy is really good at punching defense, feints and dodges - those are his strengths. On top of that there's his footwork. So the fight could go the whole distance," said Joyce, who lost on points to Usyk in the WSB eight and a half years ago.
