Barry McGuigan: Joshua has to be ready for a punch-to-punch fight

Former world featherweight champion Irishman Barry McGuigan shared his opinion about the fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk II for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts, which will take place on August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“Joshua might be pissed off after some fans turned their backs on him when he lost his first fight to Usyk. Therefore, he wants to regain respect for himself. An overly technical first fight was a mistake, new coach Robert Garcia should bet on a more uncompromising confrontation, ”said 61-year-old McGuigan.

"Garcia's fight plan shouldn't have any stupid ideas, but the key to a rematch is still in AJ's head. Anthony has to be ready to fight punch to punch, he has to take risks and impose power boxing. Aim not only at the head and stomach or liver, but also at the chest. You can’t give Usyk space and let go, you have to put pressure on him and go to the middle distance, ”added the legendary champion.

Usyk defeated Joshua last September at Tottenham Stadium in London, winning by unanimous decision. Then the bookmakers and most of the experts bet on the Englishman, today the Ukrainian is the favorite before the second fight.