Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson believes that Anthony Joshua will face a tough test against Oleksandr Usyk but will nevertheless succeed in his title defence.
The British IBF, WBA and WBO champion had expected to fight Tyson Fury in August to decide the title of the undisputed heavyweight champion, but instead finds himself facing his WBO mandatory Usyk on September 25 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While Nelson praised both fighters, he believes that Joshua will be too powerful for the Ukrainian.
"I've always been a massive fan of Anthony Joshua, it's never been hidden,” Nelson said to Sky Sports.
“I'm a fan of Oleksandr Usyk because at cruiserweight I said, 'This guy is the heir apparent. I could see him stepping up to heavyweight and making a massive impression like Evander Holyfield back in the day.' [But he's a] different style of fighter. But then I saw his introduction to the heavyweight division and I was underwhelmed. And he's a good fighter, excellent pedigree.
"Better pedigree than Anthony Joshua as an amateur at least. I think Anthony Joshua will be far too big, far too strong, far too sharp and far too aggressive. And Usyk's gotta depend on his unorthodox style to try and befuddle Anthony Joshua to get through that fight."
While Joshua is the favourite in Nelson’s eyes, he does not believe it will be a walkover.
"It's not an easy fight. So if anybody tries to say this is a done deal, this is not a done deal. This is a tough fight for Anthony Joshua. So Anthony Joshua needs to make sure he has his wits about him, does not underestimate this guy just because he's a small opponent," he said.
"But he needs to stamp his authority as a big, strong, fast, athletic heavyweight champion. In doing that, I expect him to get the win. But it's going to be a rough ride."