Oleksandr Usyk’s quest to dominate the heavyweight boxing division continues this weekend with a rematch against Anthony Joshua. The Brit will be desperate to avenge his unanimous decision defeat in Saudi Arabia and get his hands back on the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.
We’ve previewed the upcoming bout and provided our best betting tips from NetBet Sport’s boxing odds. For more coverage of the sporting calendar’s major events, check out the NetBet blog.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua
Saturday 20th August: Expected Ring Walks at 10:30pm
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Live on Sky Sports Box Office
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua Fight Preview
This fight has consistently been touted as a battle between size and speed. Whilst that may have been a decisive factor in the first contest, if you’ve seen Usyk in the build-up to this weekend, you’ll know he looks absolutely huge. The Ukrainian has played down any rumours that he has bulked up, but he certainly looks closer in stature to Joshua than was the case at Wembley.
If Usyk does come into the fight significantly heavier, this could play into Joshua’s hands. He was outboxed and outclassed on home soil last September, failing to register any real damaging blows. Having all that power is one thing, but it becomes largely trivial if you cannot land a clean power strike. AJ is sure to have sharpened his timing, agility and striking with boxers of a similar style to Usyk in training, but his best chance of victory remains a knockout.
Eddie Hearn has already made their camp’s intentions clear heading into the rematch by stating: “By the time that bell rings at the end of the sixth round, I want this fight over or I want Usyk physically in a place that he wishes he will never return to”. If that doesn’t suggest Joshua is going all out for the KO, we’re not sure what does.
The Brit has already implied that he’s not worried about Usyk’s power on Saturday night, but the Ukrainian did land some heavy shots in their first encounter. Once or twice he looked to have stung Joshua, and with a bit of extra weight behind him, it could be Usyk standing over his opponent as the referee waves the fight off.
This fight is absolutely crucial in the career arc of Anthony Joshua – former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson has already suggested AJ could walk away if he loses. Now that may not necessarily be the case, but defeat would leave the 32-year-old in a precarious position in the heavyweight division. It’s a must win fight for Joshua – it’s as simple as that.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua Fight Odds
After his impressive display in London, Usyk will go into the rematch as favourite at 1/2, with Joshua a 6/4 underdog in Jeddah. The fight is 23/20 to go the distance, or 20/31 to end before the final bell sounds.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua Betting Tips
*Odds correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Oleksandr Usyk to win by decision or technical decision – 17/10
It’s tough to look beyond the result of the last fight and the boxing clinic put on by Usyk. It might just be the case that he is a better technician than AJ, and if he can avoid the heavy strikes, he will undoubtedly be favourite to win on points.
Both fighters to be knocked down – 7/2
There was a couple of sketchy moments for Joshua in the first fight, including one incident where he just about managed to stay on his feet. The extra pounds put on by Usyk could prove a problem, but the Brit also has bundles of power himself.
Anthony Joshua to win in rounds 4-6 – 8/1
AJ’s best chance of claiming that knockout he quite clearly wants is early on. It will take a few rounds to feel out the Ukrainian, but once he gets up to speed with the champ’s timing, he will look to unload some haymakers of his own. He’s been down before – you can’t count Anthony Joshua out.
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