ANCIENT cruiserweight king Johnny Nelson told Anthony Joshua that he should start seeing Oleksandr Usyk more as a rival than a friend.
Sky Sports pundit was furious after seeing the pair take selfies during the build up to their rematch. He stated that he had to "cut that s*** off".
Anthony Joshua is getting ready for his fight against Oleksandr Uzyk next month
Former WBO cruiserweight champion believes AJ mjst start making Usyk feel uncomfortable
Joshua will be aiming to become a three time heavyweight champion against the unbeaten Ukrainian when he takes on Joshua in Saudi Arabia on August 20.
When the pair met in September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist was outclassed by the Tottenham Hotspur team.
Rob McCracken, a long-standing trainer, was fired by the 32-year old following the defeat. AJ brought in Robert Garcia.
He will likely be more aggressive against Usyk in his rematch, with Eddie Hearn encouraging him to let go.
Nelson, who was the WBO champion for six years from 1999 to 2005, begged Joshua not to become Mr Nice Guy with Usyk.
The 55-year old believes AJ must make life difficult for him as a two-weight world champion - inside and out of the ring.
Nelson spoke out about the friendly nature of the pair during the press conference in Jeddah. He told Boxing Social that he was not comfortable with Usyk and AJ.
"I was uneasy with the way AJ made Usyk feel. At this stage of boxing, a lot fights are won before you even enter the ring.
"These two will fight, and Usyk is comfortable boxing to the best of his abilities when he's not in pain.
"I looked at him and thought, "No man - don’t let that man feel comfortable around you. Make him uncomfortable in your presence."
"Make him feel uncomfortable - You know that to you that is the right attitude.
"Usyk is smiling, and they are happy taking selfies together. I don't like that man. You know this is business. Be his friend after.
"The fight has already begun you know, and you must, excuse me my French, get rid of that s***.
"I can understand where AJ is coming in because he is a gentleman who wants to do the job.
"This is a rotten, pathetic game. Sometimes you have to play dirty games. This is one of those times.
"This was his first mistake. It is not impossible for AJ to win. What I am saying is that the fight has already begun.
"I didn't like the idea and his team should remind him and say cut that s***out'. You want to make [Usyk] question s*** what's happening here? '"
AJ vs Usyk 2, date, live stream, and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
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