Joshua Already Prepping To Beat Usyk

While Kubrat Pulev has been named as his mandatory challenger, unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is preparing for former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

When asked about Usyk, Joshua laid out his plans calling the fighter “a heavyweight challenger that will be in my eyesight for the end of March or early-April. A very credible opponent.”

“When I’m trying to build my record, I want opponents like Usyk to say that I’ve defeated them,” Joshua continued. “He uses his feet very well and positions his hands well. You can’t hit him because his feet move so well. If you do manage to catch him, [the punches] are brushing off the gloves.

“What I’d do, as I have done already, is study him – from his footwork, his hand positioning, to his openings… Then I’d go to former people who have faced him and find out information on how to defeat him.”

Usyk debuted at heavyweight earlier this year against replacement opponent Chazz Witherspoon, but Joshua feels that one fight above 205 pounds is not enough for Usyk.

“Usyk is a great cruiserweight, the undisputed cruiserweight champion, who has decided to move up to heavyweight to mix it with the big boys,” Joshua said to Sky Sports.

“He’s still exploring the division but he wants a piece of the big pie – he’s more than welcome to try to take this out of my hands.”

Initial Report: Sky Sports