Anthony Joshua discusses his strategies for Oleksandr Usyk fight, and how he plans on 'pining down' his rival as the training ramps up

HEAVYWEIGHT Anthony Joshua revealed his strategies for the clash with Oleksandr Uzyk for the world title on September 25.

He believes the undefeated Ukrainian is his most difficult opponent.


Anthony Joshua discusses his strategies for Oleksandr Usyk fight, and how he plans on 'pining down' his rival as the training ramps up
Anthony Joshua is hard at work training for his fight against Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua discusses his strategies for Oleksandr Usyk fight, and how he plans on 'pining down' his rival as the training ramps up
Usyk has never lost an professional fight and boasts an impressive 18-0 record

Sky Sports interviewed AJ about Usyk's biggest challenge in his career, before explaining his approach to the fight.

Joshua, 31, stated that movement means you're never stationary to be hit. It is vital to move.

"Concentration is when you want [punch], then you lock in and then you make a move. Your brain must work properly.

"It can be mentally exhausting, so I am working to sharpen my mind in order to concentrate for the 12 rounds.

"I also practice the ability to [punch] four or more times. Take your time, concentrate, and pin him down.

It's a battle for the brain. It's important to know what is in front of your face and how you can deal with it.

You can be aggressive, corner [him], or throw everything at him. You can also be patient, clever and knock him out.

Joshua is expected to retain his world title, but Usyk, 34 years old, has never lost an amateur fight and has an 18-0 record.

"The Cat", as he is known, was the first cruiserweight to ever hold all four major world championship belts before moving up to heavyweight.

Already Usyk has two big British wins on his resume, defeating Tony Bellew in November 2018 as well as edging Derek Chisora during his last fight.

AJ doesn't let his opponent's record fool him and has been training hard to prepare for the fight.

British star said: "I do consider my weight, but I'm not trying make weight because I am a heavyweight."

"I customize my training. I have a lot of experience. I've been fighting great fighters for a while, and I've learned about their training camps.

"I have learned how to prepare my body for certain fights. This fight is going to be a tough one for me.

"I am fighting a 12-round fighter. It would be foolish of me to go into the ring bulky and my muscles screaming for oxygen.

"I have been training in this camp like a fighter for 15 rounds. I'm well-conditioned for fighting. This is the key.

What happens when I train this way? My body adapts to the environment and takes its natural form. This is the body it has taken."


Anthony Joshua discusses his strategies for Oleksandr Usyk fight, and how he plans on 'pining down' his rival as the training ramps up