Nigerian-born world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has been warned that he faces a potential ‘serious threat’ from his next opponent, Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.
Megasportsarena.com reports that his is the verdict of renowned British boxing trainer, Peter Fury, who believes that Usyk has what it takes to shock ‘AJ’ during their mandatory bout in September.
The trainer, who guided Tyson Fury to a world heavyweight title triumph in 2015, stressed that Usyk will punch hard enough to do damage that could stop Joshua on September 25.
Joshua is favourite to retain his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, but Fury says it will not be a stroll in the park.
Usyk has stepped up a division, having unified all the world cruiserweight titles, and has been packing on more size and strength since his points win over Derek Chisora in October.
Both fighters excelled in the amateur ranks as Joshua claimed super-heavyweight gold at the London 2012 Games, while Usyk was the heavyweight champion at the same Olympics.
Since then, though, the Nigerian-born pugilist has gone on to become a crowd favourite and two-time champ, but Fury believes Usyk’s razor-sharp counter punches, along with an elusive southpaw style, will pose problems for Joshua.
Fury warned: “He’s very dangerous. It’s not a walk in the park. Forget cruiserweight. This guy, he’s had a couple of fights in the heavyweight division, he’s adjusted.
“He’s put the necessary weight on. He’s a serious heavyweight and a serious talent, so it will be a good fight. Yes, of course he has [enough power to gain Joshua’s respect].
“He’s an accurate puncher and anybody in the fight trade knows when you’re in that body weight bracket, when you’re punching correctly, any punchers can do damage.
“Yes, he belongs in the division and he’s a serious threat. It’s a serious fight. Full credit to Joshua for taking that fight.
“I think it will ultimately be a battle of skills, because you can’t run into danger. It’s a fight that I’m looking forward to see. It’s a great fight, a good match-up.”
