By Daniele D’Alessio: In a recent interview with Kugan Cassius, Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) implies that he is going to be a lot more aggressive against Oleksandr Usyk in their upcoming rematch (19-0, 13 KOs)
AJ admits he “adopted the wrong style” in the first fight and states that “styles make fights.” He isn’t going to throw combinations like a “madman” but believes that he has “certain strengths” that can cause Usyk and any other heavyweight in the world major problems.
Joshua is not planning to throw boxing completely out the window but rather combine elements of brawling and the sweet science to get the victory. He mentions how he needs to adopt more of an “aggressive start’ against the unbeaten Ukrainian.
When asked about whether he planned to “outbox the boxer’ AJ seemed to deflect responsibility on his team. AJ tells Kugan that you have to ask his team what the plan was because he is a “product of what he gets taught in the gym.”
He goes on to say he is a “sponge” that soaks up information and supposedly follows the direction of those around him in camp.
Surprisingly, AJ claims he didn’t have a lightbulb moment during the fight that it wasn’t going his way as he was having success with the “jab and big right hand.” Yet, he realizes now he should have changed something and gone for it.
Since Anthony’s loss to Oleksandr, most of the boxing public is not giving him any chance of redemption in the second fight due to take place in Spring.
It is exciting to hear how Joshua plans to change tactics which should make the bout a more entertaining spectacle for everyone to watch. Still, the question remains as to whether it will be enough to get revenge against Usyk.
Many journalists commented on AJs “poor performance’, yet completely ignored the brilliance of Usyk. This is an elite boxer who is an Olympic gold medallist and has years of amateur experience. Not to mention his professionalism and dedication to the sport.
One thing is for sure, AJ will have to produce the performance of his career if he has any chance of winning the rematch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWVKPzG5JYk