In a candid interview, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua revealed why he believes that no one will ever be able to defeat Oleksandr Usyk, the current unified heavyweight champion. Joshua, who has faced Usyk twice in the ring and suffered a loss in both encounters, offered a detailed explanation as to what makes Usyk such an extraordinary and seemingly unbeatable boxer.
A Tactical Genius: Usyk’s Unmatched Skill Set
Joshua, known for his incredible power and athleticism, acknowledged that Usyk’s style of boxing is not just about physicality but about pure tactical brilliance. According to Joshua, it is Usyk’s ability to make subtle adjustments during a fight and maintain a high level of technical proficiency that sets him apart from other top fighters in the division.
“Usyk is not just a great fighter; he’s 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 aren’t going his way, he can change the pace and shift the momentum, which makes him so dangerous.”
Joshua’s respect for Usyk is particularly significant given their two epic encounters, the first of which took place in September 2021. In that fight, Usyk dominated Joshua and claimed a unanimous decision victory, cementing his place as the heavyweight champion. The rematch, held in August 2022, saw Joshua’s efforts fall short once again, as Usyk’s superior footwork, speed, and ring IQ led him to another victory.
Usyk’s Unbeaten Record: A Testament to His Mastery
One of the main reasons Joshua believes no one can 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 so while maintaining his technical and tactical prowess.
“Usyk’s record speaks for itself. He’s never lost, and there’s a reason for that,” Joshua continued. “He’s not just a big guy throwing punches. He has a masterful approach to boxing, 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 outclassed Anthony Joshua twice, and many believe he’s on track to continue his reign for years to come. Joshua also admitted that in their two fights, he realized 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 outsized by some of the bigger heavyweights, Usyk’s conditioning, mental fortitude, and refusal to get discouraged in tough situations make him a true champion.
“He doesn’t back down. He keeps going, no matter how tough it gets in the ring,” Joshua said. “That’s what makes him so difficult to beat. Even when you think you have him, he finds a way to turn the tide in his favor.”
Joshua’s reflections on Usyk’s qualities emphasize not only the skill but the mental strength required to dominate in the world of boxing. Usyk’s ability to stay 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 Potential Future in Boxing: No Stopping Him?
As the discussion shifted to Usyk’s future, Joshua expressed that while he respects the current champion, he also believes Usyk’s reign could continue for quite some time. Usyk’s combination of skill, intelligence, and heart make 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 you need to remain at the top for a long time—mental strength, discipline, and, most importantly, the boxing IQ to outthink anyone who steps in the ring with him.”
With this in mind, many fans of the sport are left wondering if anyone will be able to dethrone Usyk and whether Joshua’s assessment will ring true as the heavyweight division evolves. While there are several young fighters coming up, including contenders like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, Usyk’s mastery of the ring suggests that the reign of the current champion may 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 challenge and defeat Usyk remains to be seen, but for now, the Ukrainian’s unbeaten streak and remarkable skill set continue to make him a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
