OLEKSANDRUSYK gave a masterclass in the Tottenham tussle against Anthony Joshua last September. This solidified his position as one of the best fighters on the planet.
The smooth southpaw outboxed Joshua in nine rounds of their 12-rounder to claim the unified heavyweight title.
Oleksandr Usyk gave a masterclass in the Tottenham tussle he had with Anthony Joshua last September
Joshua was bamboozled by Usyk's footwork and evasiveness. His offensive work, however, was equally impressive.
He used a technique that Floyd Mayweather is well-known for to land a stunning straight left at one point during the fight.
Joshua was able to use his right hand to bring Usyk's guard down, so Usyk could land a left-hand straight down the pipe. He did this with pinpoint accuracy.
This moment is reminiscent of the 2013 match between Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez, where they used the same setup.
In that case, Mayweather, a former champion at five weight, used his left hand against the Mexican to break his guard and then landed a straight right flush.
Usyk, who is 35 years old, will try to duplicate that winning setup and more in his spring fight with Joshua.
The fight was originally scheduled for late March, but it is now being planned for April.
Eddie Hearn, promoter, stated: "April is realistic for that fight.
"Before it's too late, it will be February. These fights require a lot of organizing.
"For us, the UK is the best date and venue to fight that fight. In that case, we would need to fight outside. So we are not interested in fighting in March.
"AJ has been training solidly since the fight.
"Realistically, if you begin your training camp in February it becomes very tight even though April is the best date for the fight. However, that is the preferred date and I believe that's realistic."
Alexander Krassuyk, Usyk's promoter, teased an impending announcement earlier in the week. He told Sky Sports: "Many events are taking place at the moment. Soon, we will reveal everything.
AJ OUT FOR REVENGE
Joshua, 32, is determined to exact revenge on the undefeated Ukrainians and regain the unified titles.
He stated, "For me, that's War, that is Murder, that's War, let's get out there and hurt that guy.
"Take his soul until he is ready to give up. That's boxing, that's what I know.
"You should hit people repeatedly, and keep applying pressure until they realize you're not going anywhere.
"With the gameplan, that's all that I have at the moment, that one track. Stay on course, take him to places he doesn’t want to."
