Oleksandr Usyk told Anthony Joshua he’s not the only one who will deploy alternative tactics in their rematch.
The unified heavyweight champion, who ripped the belts from Joshua last September, has endured a troubled few months due to the situation in Ukraine – his homeland.
However, getting back to training and onto the distraction of a fight, Usyk appears in higher spirits.
He’s now looking forward to showing Joshua what he’s been working on for their imminent second collision on August 20.
Usyk warns Joshua
“I am pleased to be here today. I’m very happy to get the opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia and help open new horizons for the sport of boxing,” said Usyk.
“I love to travel worldwide and fight in places for the first time. I’m not fighting for money or any recognition.
“I am just doing my job now and will continue fighting until my heart keeps beating.
“I am not expecting anything from Anthony Joshua, but I know that he will be different, but so will I.”
Joshua switched trainers from the meeting last fall and accused his last team of being ‘yes men’ in the corner.
The Briton is plotting his revenge.
“In terms of old AJ, same old G, I’m just doing what I’m doing. Grafting away,” he stated.
It is a rough and tough sport. Fighting these lefties is a nightmare! And I cannot make the same mistake twice.
“I am hungry and desperate, but at the end of the day, how I perform will speak.”
Changes
Robert Garcia, the man trusted to oversee the alterations, said: “The whole team, everybody around us, is very positive.
“We have to do whatever it takes. We have to come out with different strategies in case one doesn’t work.
“We’ll be ready for the fight. Anthony is listening. He believes in us, and that’s the most important thing. In the ring, he’s got to come out and do what we tell him to do.
“Usyk is a great fighter. I’ve known him since a few years back when he came to my gym a few times to train. He’s a very talented fighter. He’s got very different ways to fight.
“Seeing the size difference, the height, the reach, the weight – everything is to Anthony’s advantage.
“We’ve got to take advantage of that. We’ve got to train him to focus on that and come fight night, do what we need to do to win.”
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