Andre Ward has praised Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainian’s repeat win over Anthony Joshua.
Usyk retained his heavyweight titles and following Tyson Fury’s recent retirement, Usyk also added the Ring Magazine belt to his collection as he moved past Joshua for a second time, on this occasion via split decision.
The build-up to the second fight was dominated by what gameplan Joshua would utilise in the rematch with many suggesting his lack of aggression in the original meeting cost him the fight.
Joshua did attack more often, but Usyk’s superior skillset was the deciding factor and that was highlighted by Ward following the fight’s conclusion.
“There was too much IQ for Joshua,” said the former two weight world champion when speaking to Fight Hub TV. “There’s no disrespect to Joshua. I can say that and still have respect for what Joshua did as an amateur and what he’s done as a pro.
“There’s no shade on Joshua, but it’s just the facts. You fight a certain kind of style for a long time and build up all that muscle, and you can look like an all-time great against certain guys.
“If you don’t work on your game and evolve, it’s the same stuff. He’s got an awesome right hand, and it comes off like a rocket, but you take him out of that element into deep waters and make him think, you see the mental fatigue that comes over him.”