Anthony Joshua’s biggest challenge against Oleksandr Usyk will not go to the final bell. That’s the verdict from Anthony Crolla, the former WBA lightweight champion, who, like Joshua, is fully aware of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of defeat against a UkraInian master.
In 2019, Crolla travelled to Los Angeles to face the brilliant Vasiliy Lomachenko, but his American voyage was ruined when he was defeated in the fourth round. The universally admired Crolla would walk away from active competition the same year, but the Manchester man is still involved in the sport as a trainer and pundit.
After watching Usyk dominate Joshua last year at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Crolla was massively impressed with the two-weight world champion. Excited by the imminent rematch, Crolla sees a different type of fight but with the same man having his hand raised at the battle’s finale.
“This time, the fight isn’t going the distance,” said Crolla when speaking exclusively to DAZN. “’AJ’ has to let his hands go this time. That’s no secret. He has to be a lot more aggressive. Joshua will have his moments and I won’t be surprised if he even manages to buzz Usyk once or twice.
“Although I see Usyk getting hurt, I do think he knows enough to weather the storm and prevent any further trouble. It’s going to be a fantastic heavyweight fight but I’m going to back Usyk to get the stoppage somewhere around rounds seven to nine.”