ANTHONY JOSHUA believes Oleksandr Usyk will be his second most difficult test in his professional career.
A week from Saturday, the Watford fighter will defend his unified Heavyweight titles against the undefeated Ukrainian.
AJ believes that the Ukrainian will be one of the most difficult tests in his career
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Slick southpaw Uysk (34), has baffled every one of his foes with his footwork. None of his 18 professional opponents were able to solve his unique puzzle.
Joshua is acutely aware of The Cat's skills and tells the BBC: "On paper, it appears he is number two behind Wladimir Klitschko.
Although technically they are very different, he is an Olympic gold medallist and reigned for more than 10 years. He's the number one.
"But Usyk is number 2 because of his success at the cruiserweight, and his so far at heavyweight."
"He's one of his strengths, he's getting in with me in the ring.
"I have to give him credit for this, it's going be difficult."
Joshua, 31, placed a particular emphasis on ringwork in his most recent camp to prepare for the fleet-footed Usyk.
He said, "He's a Southpaw, he has been fighting orthodoxes all his life, we fight southpaws one in a blue moon.
"I do a lot ring work. Some fighters do a lot more roadwork, pads, bags and shadow boxing.
"But it's all about positioning with a southpaw and we're doing Ring Work, a lot southpaws can be counterpunchers."
AJ enjoys his upcoming clash against his Olympic gold medallist and says: "The date has been set and we are fully locked into.
"September 25, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. I put it all on line again, and it's now time to defend my crown.
"We are two Olympic gold medallists, who have fought to the top and never given up on challenges.
"The stadium is extraordinary, the atmosphere will electric, it's an honor to be the first to fight in such awe-inspiring venues.
"The stage has been set, and I'm ready to take care of business."
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