ANTHONY JOSHUA has nothing to do with Oleksandr Uzyk before their huge heavyweight fight.
Five months after Usyk stripped AJ his WBA, IBF, and WBO belts from him, the Ukrainian hero was fighting for his country at the frontline.
Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua will renew their rivalry Saturday
Last September, AJ was outpointed by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In the context of war in Ukraine, Usyk had to prepare for the rematch
AJ is a great admirer of Usyk's efforts to defend his homeland.
To patrol with the Ukraine Defence Battalion, the 35-year old southpaw carried a machine gun on his shoulder. He prayed that he wouldn't have to kill a Russian intruder.
Devout husband and father to three children, Usyk left only to begin his training camp after he was urged by injured soldiers in military hospitals to travel to Jeddah to win Saturday's rematch.
Joshua, a Watford legend, was 32 years old and said that if it were him, it would certainly have an effect, although I'm not sure if it would have a positive or negative impact.
"I don’t know how to deal with it, but I know it would prove difficult.
"I've never been in a conflict like this, so I don’t know what kind of effects it would have on my life."
"I honor what he has done 100%. It is his home. You have to protect your home.
It is so shameful that civilians are the ones who get the worst of wars when it is a political issue. He's just trying to protect his community, so I respect him.
"I believe I would have done it the same way, not as a fighter or boxer, but as a general person.
"People have chosen to stay and defend their homes. This has nothing to do writ large. He has done a great job. I admire his efforts."
Joshua was convincingly outpointed in Tottenham's new stadium, September.
It was bold to instantly take up the rematch after the unanimous decision.
Saudi Arabia's PS80million offer for the staging and control of the event has stalled proceedings.
According to the Englishman, "We searched for suitable dates for him (and his team).
"It was more important that they were ready than we forcing them to accept a date.
"I didn’t want us saying, 'This date has to be'. I wanted us all to work together. This is how we show compassion.
Joshua will be looking for salvation in the Saudi desert next week
Joshua was kind enough to give Usyk, who had lost 22 pounds due to stress in a Kyiv bunker, time to make the right choice for him and his family.
He wanted to defend and compete for the belts. It was originally scheduled for June 11, but it was changed by Saudi.
"But it seems like it has worked out for everyone in long-term."
WBC champion Tyson Fury (34), is expected to jump out of another retirement to face the winner.
6ft 9in Morecambe fighter was rudely dismissive about Usyk’s threat to him, based upon his amateur days as a middleweight.
He even accused the ex-undisputed cruiserweight king, of using steroids to help his unbeaten climb up the weight classes.
The leftie with the gap-tooth revealed that the Gypsy King was not afraid to insult him during their meeting in December 2021 at New York's show.
Fury's jibes were brought up by Usyk, who replied: "Ofcourse, he never said that to my face." Every time I listen to him, I laugh.
"He said completely different things to me -- but I'm not going to tell him what he said to me. "I know that we will be fighting one of these days."
