Mueez Ajao
– Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua collides with undefeated Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO mandatory challenger, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
– Anthony Joshua has admitted to “doubt” during agonising sparring sessions designed to strengthen his mind and body before fighting Oleksandr Usyk.
– The reigning champion has described the pressure he faces in sparring to adapt to the unbeaten Usyk’s southpaw style: “Deep practice is where I put myself on the edge, where I am vulnerable, so I can improve.
– “I don’t always want to be the best in the gym.
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– “Every time I spar, I spar like I’m performing. I have had tough spars. I am doubting myself.
– “Throughout this training camp with southpaws I have practised, practised, practised. I am comfortable where my development is.”
– Shokran Parwani, one of Joshua’s sparring partners, told Sky Sports: “[Usyk] doesn’t have power. In rounds nine, 10 or 11? He won’t have the power to fight, and AJ will break him down.”
– Joshua and Usyk both won gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics, and Usyk has since gone on to become undisputed cruiserweight champion. Now he wants to add heavyweight glory.
– Joshua insists he does not consider Usyk to be an opponent boxing above his weight class: “All boxers can move up in weight. Some feel better at the higher weight, they carry more power and feel fresher.
– “In my mind, I have removed the conversation that he is a cruiserweight.
– “I get it. But I like to challenge myself. So I remove it out of the way. Let’s look at where I’m at skills-wise and technique-wise.
– “I’ve got what I already have – the strength.
– “Since I came into boxing in 2008 I had a rapid rise, maybe due to sheer strength, size, heart. I took on massive challenges early on.
– “Usyk is another great champion, great fighter. But I don’t really fold under pressure.
– “This is fun. This is deep practice.
– “When I get into the ring it’s time to practise everything I know.
– Since his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, Joshua has recovered to win a rematch just six months later, then knocked out Kubrat Pulev.
– “I asked God for strength and he gave me battles,” Joshua said.
– “When I pray for strength, I want to fight the Usyks and the champions because that’s how you find out how strong you really are.
– “For me, bring it on. I cherish that. I don’t pray for strength then want it easy.
– “You have to go through certain experiences to have wisdom. Those experiences aren’t always in your favour. You’ve got to go through turbulent times.”
– “I’m rather experienced now. You have to go through trials and tribulations.”
