ANTHONY JOSHUA rematches Oleksandr Uzyk, knowing that his career depends on vengeance for the September defeat.
Victory for AJ in Saudi Arabia reaffirms his unified titles, revives talk about a super-fight against Tyson Fury, and earns back respect from boxing fans.
Anthony Joshua was defeated by Oleksandr Uzyk in September
Anthony Joshua before his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
He should be commended for winning the fight, even though he was already unbeaten.
Joshua, who weighed in at 17st 6lb yesterday is only to blame as he ignored his weight and size advantage to outfox Ukraine's master fighter boxer.
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist has now got to compete in the rematch with higher stakes.
Kell Brook and Johnny Nelson, former world champions who were mentored at Brendan Ingle’s Sheffield gym, suggested that AJ RETIRE if he loses.
He has actually signed a long-term agreement with DAZN sports streaming service, which will only come into effect after the weekend.
It is not a sign that a career is over, but losing to the boxing's No1 pound-for-pound fighter is.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Usyk's double defeat, has a lot to do in convincing fans and anyone else that AJ is possible again.
Joshua's journey back to glory is longer after a second loss, but that does not mean the end.
For proof, you only need to see Mike Tyson's famous plight after two defeats against Evander Holyfield.
Shelly Finkel, Hall of Fame manager, took over Tyson's career after he disgracefully bit Holyfield's ear.
Iron Mike continued to be the headliner six times more on pay-per view, despite his public shame and the DQ.
The problem is that only one was for the heavyweight title and it was against Britain's Lennox Lewis.
Both were past their primes by the time it happened, with Tyson being 35 and Lewis 36 respectively.
This fight shows that even AJ loses against Usyk, a grudge bout with Fury can still happen.
Tyson's performance shows that sometimes, the blockbuster fights on paper are just not worth it.
AJ vs Usyk 2, confirmed fight time, TV and live streaming info for tonight’s blockbuster
As with Tyson, there are many other names available for AJ if he suffers a third career defeat.
A rematch against Dillian Whyte, a trio against Andy Ruiz Jr., and even fighting Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder guarantee PPVs.
What would his career look like if Tyson had beaten Holyfield?
Joshua believes that if he upsets bookmakers and takes the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts off Usyk's back, his stock will be greater than ever.
He would have won a genuine upset with his back against he wall while making his case to beat Fury stronger than ever.
Fury will likely lose to Usyk, which could leave him without any motivation to fight AJ again. But, if he wins how could the Gypsy King ignore that?
It's what makes Saturday's fight so exciting and so important, because heavyweight boxing in Britain could depend on it.
Oleksander Usyk, Anthony Joshua before their rematch
Oleksander Usyk meets Anthony Joshua for the last time
