Anthony Joshua ready to take back his heavy weight title
NewsOnline reports that Anthony Joshua now accepts it was a fatal mistake conceding in the first fight. Down to just 240lbs (17st 2lbs) for his 2021 title defence against Oleksandr Usyk, the now-former IBF, WBA and WBO world champion believed he could outsmart, outwit and eventually outbox the Ukrainian.
To do so was to cede his major advantage. Robert Garcia, now in Joshua’s camp, believes the “size difference, the height, the reach, and the weight” are what will help the British heavyweight regain his belts in Jeddah, even if he will be facing a considerably bulkier Usyk this time around.
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Recent footage has shown the former undisputed cruiserweight king bearing noticeably more muscle. In September, Usyk weighed just over 221lbs (15st 11lbs), 19lbs fewer than Joshua, but it mattered little as speed and mobility won the day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Joshua was unable to utilise the power that has seen him deliver 22 knockouts over the course of his professional career (his record now stands at 24-2-0).