ANTHONY JOSHUA is calling for elite amateurs' help to replicate Oleksandr Usyk’s style.
Joshua will defend his unified Heavyweight titles against Olympic gold medalist, Tottenham's Stadium on Saturday.
Anthony Joshua sparring partner, Croatian Marko Milun
To leave the capital without the belts around his waist, he will have to do something that no man has done before in professional boxing: hand Usyk a loss.
The Ukrainian is now 18-0 and has undisputed titles at cruiserweight as well as two wins at heavyweight.
However, Usyk was able to keep his smooth, agile, and slippery southpaw style despite being promoted.
His footwork, combination punching, and evasive fighting style are more reminiscent of an elite amateur than a heavyweight powerhouse.
Joshua brought in German Viktor Jurk and Marko Milun from Croatia to spar with Usyk to learn more about his menacing style.
Milun, speaking via the Betway Insider blog, said that he selected him and other amateurs to be his sparring partners as he needed men similar to Usyk.
"Usyk is more like an amateur fighter than a professional boxer, and that may be why he wanted Viktor Jurk and other amateurs.
"Shokran Parwani was the only professional at camp when I was there.
Joshua, 31 years old, weighed 17st 2lbs in his last fight against Kubrat Pulev (40), in December.
However, Usyk, 34 years old, weighed only 15st 7lbs and beat Derek Chisora 37 on points after 12 rounds.
Recent photos showed that a former champion was bulking up, with rumours indicating that he had a target weight of 16 stone.
Joshua dismissed concerns that he would lose weight to match Usyk's athleticism. He recently stated that he was "solid as a rock".
Milun, Sparring partner, warned that he expected a chess match instead of an all-out brawl. However, AJ was backed to outmuscle his challenger.
He stated, "I saw in Camp that AJ was really smart and he does all the right things. I believe he will win this fight."
Joshua and Usyk: All information about the TV, stream, and undercard ahead of Saturday's heavyweight fight
"Usyk may be smart, but I believe AJ has more qualities. He's stronger, bigger and can punch harder.
"He's worked hard and I believe he will beat him. AJ will be at home and the crowd will support him. My prediction is that AJ will comfortably win.
"But I will assure you, this will not be a war. This will be a smart battle."
