In a candid interview, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua revealed why he believes no one will be able to defeat Oleksandr Usyk, the current unified heavyweight champion. Joshua, who has faced Usyk twice in the ring and suffered defeat in both encounters, offered a detailed explanation of what makes Usyk such an extraordinary and seemingly invincible boxer.
A Tactical Genius: Usyk’s Unrivaled Skill Set
Joshua, known for his incredible power and athleticism, acknowledged that Usyk’s boxing style is not just about physicality, but pure tactical brilliance. According to Joshua, it is Usyk’s ability to make subtle adjustments during the fight and maintain a high level of technical prowess that sets him apart from other elite fighters in the division.
“Usyk is not just a great fighter; he is a tactical genius,” Joshua said. “He knows how to control a fight from start to finish, and he has this incredible ability to adapt. Even when things are not going his way, he can change the pace and turn the situation around, which makes him very dangerous.”
Joshua’s respect for Usyk is particularly significant given their two epic battles, the first of which took place in September 2021. In that fight, Usyk dominated Joshua and earned a unanimous decision victory, cementing himself as the heavyweight champion. The rematch, held in August 2022, again saw Joshua’s efforts fall short, as Usyk’s superior footwork, speed and ring intelligence carried him to victory again.
Usyk’s Unbeaten Record: A Testimony to His Mastery
One of the main reasons Joshua believes no one will be able to defeat Usyk is the Ukrainian’s unbeaten record, not just in the heavyweight division, but throughout his career. Usyk’s transition from cruiserweight champion to heavyweight was unprecedented, and he did it while maintaining his technical and tactical prowess.
“Usyk’s record speaks for itself. He has never lost, and there is a reason for that,” Joshua continued. “He’s not just a big guy throwing punches. He has a masterful approach to fighting, and it’s hard to find any real weaknesses in his game.”
Usyk’s rise to the top of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has outpointed Anthony Joshua on two occasions, and many believe he is on course to continue his reign for many years to come. Joshua also admitted that in their two fights, he realised how difficult it is to deal with Usyk’s unique style, especially his ability to maintain constant pressure while never being out of position.
A Lesson in Resilience and Adaptation
Joshua also noted that one of the most impressive aspects of Usyk’s ability to dominate in the ring is his resilience. Despite being physically outclassed by some of the bigger heavyweights, Usyk’s physical conditioning, mental toughness and refusal to be discouraged in tough situations make him a true champion.
“He doesn’t back down. He keeps going, no matter how tough the fight is,” Joshua said. “That’s what makes him so tough to beat. Even when you think you’ve got him, he finds a way to turn the situation around in his favor.”
Joshua’s reflections on Usyk’s qualities highlight not just skill, but the mental strength needed to dominate in the world of boxing. Usyk’s ability to remain calm and focused, even under intense pressure, has made him a formidable opponent, not just for Joshua, but for any fighter in the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s Future in Boxing: No Stopping?
As the discussion turned to Usyk’s future, Joshua expressed that while he respects the current champion, he also believes that Usyk’s reign could continue for quite some time. Usyk’s combination of skill, intelligence and heart makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone coming after him.
“He’s a special fighter,” Joshua concluded. “I don’t see anyone in the heavyweight division right now who can match him, at least not in the near future. He has everything he needs to stay at the top for a long time – mental strength, discipline and most importantly, the boxing IQ to think faster than anyone who steps into the ring with him.”
With this in mind, many sports fans are wondering if anyone will be able to dethrone Usyk and if Joshua’s assessment will hold true as the heavyweight division evolves. While there are several young fighters on the rise, including contenders such as Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, Usyk’s mastery in the ring suggests the current champion’s reign could extend for many more years to come.
A Continuing Legacy in the Heavyweight Division
While Anthony Joshua may have lost to Usyk, he certainly respects him as one of the most complete fighters in boxing today. Whether anyone will eventually be able to challenge and defeat Usyk remains an unknown, but for now, Usyk’s undefeated record and impressive skill set remain a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
