ANTHONY JOSHUA is in for a 'rough trip' in his Tottenham tussle against Oleksandr Usyk.
The Watford fighter will defend his unified Heavyweight titles against the former undisputed champion in the Cruiserweight division next month at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Johnny Nelson believes that AJ will prove too strong for the Ukranian
Joshua will need to navigate the biggest hurdles Usyk's footwork will present and his ability to glide in and outside of range.
Johnny Nelson, a former cruiserweight king, believes that the Ukrainian will fail to make it to the top of the two-weight world rankings.
Sky Sports interviewed him: "I have always been a huge fan of Anthony Joshua. It's never been hidden."
"I love Oleksandr Uysk. He is my favorite at cruiserweight. He could easily make a huge impression as Evander Holyfield in the past at heavyweight.
"[But, he's] a] different type of fighter.
"But then, I saw his introduction into the heavyweight division, and I was overwhelmed. He's a great fighter with a strong pedigree.
"Better pedigree that Anthony Joshua as an amateur. Anthony Joshua is far too large, too strong, too sharp, and too aggressive, according to me.
"And Usyk has to rely on his unconventional style to try to befuddle Anthony Joshua in order to win that fight."
It's not an easy battle. This is why anyone who says this is a done deal is wrong. Anthony Joshua will have to fight for his life.
Anthony Joshua must make sure that he is white and does not underestimate the man just because he is a small opponent.
He needs to be a strong, fast, and athletic heavyweight champion. He will win the fight if he does that.
"But it's going be a rough trip."
Nelson however admits that Usyk can shock the world and end AJ's second reign of being the ununified heavyweight king.
He said, "It could happen. It could happen with any heavyweight. Anthony is actually training in Sheffield. For the past few weeks, he has been.
"And he has returned to his roots. He is making sure everything goes right again. This is why I feel confident that he takes this seriously.
"Because, ofcourse, the Tyson Fury fighter falls through for whatever bogus matter that was going on there.
"So he kept his head down, and continued to work, thinking, "Right, this guy is dangerous."
"And if your boxing is good, you will know Usyk can't afford to make a mistake."
Joshua, 31, enjoys his clash with fellow Olympian and says: "We're two Olympic gold medallists that have fought our way up to the top, and never shied away from 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."
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
