Anthony Joshua has expressed confidence of beating Oleksandar Usyk, in their rematch tonight.
Joshua lost the World Boxing Association WBO (Super), World Boxing Organization WBO and International Boxing Federation IBF world heavyweight titles to the Ukrainian, in London, some 11 months ago.
To give himself a better chance of success, Joshua brought in a new trainer, American Robert Garcia, once it was agreed that he would have a chance at retrieving his titles from Usyk.
Garcia is expected to have prepared Joshua to be in his best possible physical, mental and tactical state to retrieve his belts from the Ukrainian.
Ahead of Saturday’s rematch against the former World Cruiserweight champion, who is now bigger after undergoing a massive body transformation, Joshua said beating Usyk in their rematch, will no doubt silence his critics.
The Briton who is of Nigeria extraction with the middle name as Olowafemi will also fight for the Ring Magazine title after WBC Champion, Tyson Fury vacated the belt earlier this week.
It is the first time in his 26-fights career that the 32 year old Joshua has challenged for the prestigious belt, and the 2012 London Olympic Gold medalist, said he knows how high the stakes are.
“There’s definitely pressure. It would be wrong for me to say there’s no pressure that would be a lie, Ukraine as a nation needs Usyk to deliver a victory, and give the country which has been under siege following Russia’s invasion, something to cheer”. Joshua added.
While it has been a turbulent 12 months for Usyk, who was released from the Army to prepare for the rematch; legendary American trainer, Froch insists it’s a must win for Anthony Joshua, as a loss could potentially spell doom and an end to his boxing career.
Despite being able to avenge his defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, Joshua is being backed by few to do the same to Usyk.
The Ukrainian, is undefeated as a professional and comfortably out-punched Joshua last September in London.