Despite a brilliant unification of the cruiserweight titles and three belts in the heavyweight division after defeating Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) still can't earn Johnny Nelson's full credit. The former world champion and Sky Sports boxing analyst who once claimed Usyk was technically inferior to Tony Bellew now claims the Ukrainian is a "mediocre southpaw." Nelson stated this in an interview with IFL TV.
“Usyk is a good fighter, but could someone like Tyson Fury beat him? In my opinion, I could. Is it really impossible for Joshua to win a rematch? Possible. For me, Usyk still has to earn honors and fight for fame and recognition. He is an ordinary left-hander, but is he outstanding? the ex-champion asked rhetorically.
“I am really giving Joshua a chance for a rematch. People write him off, but after the first fight, Usyk looked like he was hit by a truck! Joshua tried to box like Usyk and lost. He did not use his advantages in durability and dimensions. If he does this again, he will fail again. But I don't think it will be like that. Anthony can afford to win. It will be a more difficult rematch than with Ruiz, but the task is not impossible, ”Nelson added.
Usyki's rematch with Joshua will take place on August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The favorite of the bookmakers is the Ukrainian (odds 1.5 and 2.8 respectively).
