ANTHONY JOSHUA "shows serious intentions" by arriving in Saudi Arabia a MONTH before Oleksandr Usyk for his rematch.
They will fight again in Jeddah on August 20, almost one year after Usyk won London's unified titles.
Anthony Joshua in training in Saudi Arabia
The star of Ukraine's pound-for–pound wrestling has been in Dubai to train with Martin Bakole.
AJ is now also making the trip to the Middle East. This decision was lauded by Johnny Nelson, a former champion in cruiserweight.
The retired boxer turned pundit compared it to Muhammad Ali’s famous Rumble in The Jungle fight in Zaire.
Sky Sports' Nelson said: "I recall Ali doing it while he was fighting George Foreman deep in the jungle. He was there longer than he thought he would be.
"I believe, this one here, AJ went out there thinking he can do it right. He's probably taken his sparring partners and his team out.
It's the best thing to just get used to the heat. It's his job to make everything work in his favor, and that's what I love about the way he thinks.
"We can read into so much, but it shows serious intent, he's out on business, which, is a must."
Joshua, 32, was defeated by Andy Ruiz Jr., 32 in June 2019.
Six months later, he traveled to Saudi Arabia to box and then move his way to the belts. He won the rematch in 12 rounds.
However, these same tactics were unsuccessful against Usyk (35), who shocked AJ with points.
Nelson predicts that the pair will come up with new game plans to outwit each other.
He stated that it was not impossible for AJ to win the victory.
"He has the ability and the tools to accomplish it. He just needs to choose the right tactics.
AJ vs Usyk 2, live stream, and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
"Both fighters have shared the ring and known each other's strengths, and weaknesses.
"Usyk may think about putting more pressure on because AJ almost got out of the first fight.
"AJ might consider playing Usyk at his game, putting Usyk under stress from off, and going for broke.
"Neither man will go in there using the same tactics as they used in the first place. Usyk wants to be certain, he wants it to be clear after the fight.
"He will want to get rid of him. AJ will want to get in on the fight and take him out, as he knows Usyk favors it the most.
"He can't afford to make this man feel at ease in his surroundings, or in his company."
LONDON (ENGLAND) - 25 SEPT. Oleksandr Uzyk, Ukraine, takes on Anthony Joshua, Great Britain, during the Heavyweight Title Fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England, September 25, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images).
