OLEKSANDR USYK called Anthony Joshua a'modern-day Mike Tyson' before their battle for the world heavyweight champion title on Saturday.
Joshua, a six-foot-two Ukrainian bruiser, will be going toe-to toe with Joshua at Tottenham Stadium to try to win his IBF and WBA titles.
Anthony Joshua was dubbed a modern-day Mike Tyson
Usyk believes it's a dream to compete with the Brits to be the undisputed champion.
Matchroom Boxing's YouTube Channel reported that Usyk said: "He (Joshua), is a huge, great star. He is well-known by everyone - the entire world knows him, just as Tyson used to be in the old days.
"Even my children were asking me today, 'Did you see Joshua? Are you sure that you have seen him?
"I never imagined that a kid from a small Ukrainian town would fight in an arena of 65,000 people, broadcasting around the globe on the largest TV networks."
Frank Warren, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury's promoter, has backed Usyk to shock the entire world - if he survives a knockout early.
BETTING SPECIAL - GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1He stated, "[Usyk] proved that at cruiserweight. He was amazing, and he has made his mark in this weight division.
He was a great cruiserweight. He has done everything that you could wish for.
Anthony Joshua is the favorite for the fight. He is the bigger man, much larger, and a great puncher.
"Having said all that, if Joshua doesn't get rid off him after five to six rounds, or if he's still here after those rounds, then it's time for the fight to end.
"If it goes 12 rounds, I would like Usyk to win the decision. He'll have to outbox him to get there."
Joshua's heavyweight opponents, Dillian Whyte and others, are backing the Brit to win.
Joshua defeated Joshua in December 2015. Whyte expects AJ will win in seven rounds.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Whyte said: "Usyk is going to start quickly, and Joshua will be a little cagey because he’s a southpaw and lighter."
"Joshua sometimes lacks confidence in fights where he gets caught up.
"Joshua will stop Joshua in the first five to six or seven rounds."
Joshua and Usyk: All information about the TV, stream, and undercard ahead of Saturday's heavyweight fight
