The World Boxing Association has joined many boxing fans around the world in commenting on the physique of Oleksandr Usyk.
Ahead of his rematch with Anthony Joshua in nine days, Usyk looks in superb physical condition for the fight. The Ukrainian has bulked up and seems ready for the contest.
Due to his domination of the first bout last year, the fears are that Joshua will get battered in the second.
WBA statement on Oleksandr Usyk
The WBA said: “Usyk is in the final part of his preparation for another showdown against Anthony Joshua.
“The Ukrainian will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Super Championship and the IBF and WBO belts against the Briton on August 20 in Saudi Arabia in a great battle of strategies.
“Before stepping into the ring, there has been much speculation about the changes Joshua could bring since he lost their last fight. Allegedly, he is the one who needs to correct things the most. However, Usyk is not a fighter who settles and continually seeks to improve and surprise in each of his fights.
“Although he has not revealed too many details, there have been several photos and videos of the champion in which he is shown quite strong during his training.
“For this reason, many specialists wonder if he will move up to the heaviest weight of his career this time.
Small heavyweight
“Usyk is a “small” heavyweight, having recently moved up from cruiserweight. In his previous fight against Joshua, he weighed 221.2 pounds.
“This was the heaviest weight of his career. But he was at a disadvantage against the 240 pounds his opponent scored.
“Although it worked for him to take the victory, it seems that he could increase the weight a little more this time. This would give a different perspective to the fight and airs a lot of uncertainty about what will happen [possible knockout].
“The champion never settles and is never predictable. So his strategy will also play an important role even before stepping into the ring.”
Joshua is hoping to get revenge by moving the return to Saudi Arabia once again. He did similar when getting knocked out by Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.
Ruiz pummeled AJ in New York, dismantling him before partying for a significant spell and disrupting training for the return.
Usyk has done no such thing. That’s why he’s a massive favorite to win.
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