Nigerian-born world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has thrown the lid off the tactical plan he intends to use in his title defence this Saturday against Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, while admitting he holds lots of respect for the former undefeated world cruiserweight champ, ‘AJ’ disclosed that he will unleash multiple hurtful punches with his right hand, the uppercut or jab.
Joshua and Usyk briefly stepped into the ring on Tuesday night at the public work-outs without giving away too many secrets ahead of Saturday night’s mandatory title fight.
The two-time champion and 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist shadow-boxed for a couple of minutes inside the ring, after a smiling Usyk had juggled to entertain the fans.
Before he beat Kubrat Pulev, Joshua’s public work-out had consisted of only wrapping his hands for a full 20 minutes before asking cameras and onlookers to depart while he trained, but he has taken a different approach this time.
Usyk, formerly the undisputed cruiserweight champion, is aiming to become just the third boxer to ever add a heavyweight belt to the world titles he won in the division below.
He has already knocked out Tony Bellew and outpointed Derek Chisora, but Joshua is staying upbeat that his new style and combination of punches will see him through at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Joshua told Sky Sports about a game-plan: “I’m in there with the ultimate aim of winning. My goal is to either hurt you or beat you until I get the win.
“Whether it’s the right hand, the uppercut or the jab? As long as it leads to a win. I could box on the front foot or the back foot. There is no real strategy except for winning.
“I’ve worked out today already so I didn’t want to over-work myself. No pads. Heavy bag work and a lot of sparring. But not really the mitts. Old school Rocky Marciano style.
“Bellew was at a different stage of his career when he took the fight. I’m at a different stage. So what it means to me is different to what it meant to Bellew.
“I will do everything to reverse what happened to Bellew and make it into my favour. I’m physically conditioned and mentally conditioned. I should be fine. It’s a big occasion, big pressure.”
