Josh Warrington thinks Anthony Joshua has the skills and size advantage to beat Oleksandr Usyk in their Aug. 20 rematch.
The two heavyweights fought back in September last year, with the Ukrainian putting in a dominant display to secure the IBF, WBA, and WBO belts. Joshua immediately exercised his rematch clause, and after a delay caused by the invasion of Ukraine and Usyk’s return to his homeland, a second fight is scheduled for August in Saudi Arabia.
Warrington also lost in 2021 when Mauricio Lara knocked him out, and Joshua contacted the featherweight - now IBF champion again - to offer him advice. Speaking to talkSPORT, Warrington believes that Joshua can also get revenge.
“Yeah, I do,” he said. “It was nice of him to give me a bit more motivation and a bit of a boost about coming back. But for himself, yes, most definitely. I think he did learn a lot from the first fight, trying to box him. Usyk’s been such a skilled cruiserweight, and at heavyweight, I don’t think it’s wise to start playing his own game. Use your attributes. You’re super strong, you’ve got speed, them devastating one-twos, use that. AJ’s a big guy. Sometimes it’s a boxing match, but sometimes it’s a fight. When you’re in a clinch, wear him out by tying him up, leaning on him, things like that.
“That’s how he’s gotta make it for Usyk. He’s gotta tire him out. He’s gotta rough him up and not be scared to let that right hand go. I think the more he pushes him, the more opportunities he’s gonna get to get that right hand away.
“I think that’s the way he beats him. He’s gotta take it to him.”