Oleksandr Usyk could repeat Decision win over Anthony Joshua in title rematch
Anthony “AJ” Joshua (24-2) looks to avenge his defeat to Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (19-0) in London in September last year and to regain his WBA (Super), IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in the rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday 20 August.
In truth, Usyk outclassed Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was a clear winner by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 in the Ukrainian’s favour.
The loss to Usyk was the second of Joshua’s career and the 32-year-old Londoner will be looking for a similar response to his previous defeat, when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch in December 2019. That fight also took place in Saudi Arabia.
Can Anthony Joshua Bounce Back?
Joshua has been eager to show that he is coming into the rematch full of confidence and has labelled himself the “Comeback King”.
His quest to become a three-time world champion also features a new head coach in Robert Garcia.
There have been dramatic changes in Usyk’s life since winning the world titles, with boxing having had to take second place to his helping the war effort against Russia in his Ukrainian homeland.
The last few months have been far from ideal preparation for the 35-year-old Usyk with regards to training and focusing on the fight, but the situation back home will also give him an incredible incentive to retain his titles.
Usyk has fought the majority of his career at cruiserweight, where he was the undisputed champion. He remains unbeaten in his 19 professional fights to date.
Fury to Fight The Winner?
To add a little extra spice to the fight, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (having initially announced that he would be retiring from the sport), has said that. If the money were right, he would be prepared to face the winner of this fight in a unification bout later this year. That would suggest another controversial fight in Saudi Arabia.
Of Joshua’s 24 career wins, 22 have come via KO/TKO. Unfortunately, both of his losses have come in his last four fights and this is a huge fight that he simply must win at this stage of his career.
Usyk is the older fighter, but is unbeaten and has won 13 of his 19 fights inside the distance. However, four of his last six fights have gone to the judges and this bout could well go the same way.
Joshua v Usyk Betting Odds
So classy and dominant was Usyk in his dismantling of Joshua a year ago, that he comes into the rematch billed as the “Rage on the Red Sea” as a warm favourite at odds of 1/2 with William Hill. Those backing Joshua to regain his belts can back their man at 19/10 with BetFred, with the Draw on offer at 20/1 with BoyleSports.
Will the Fight Go the Distance?
The ‘Will the Fight Go the Distance?’ betting odds sees Yes at 10/11 with Betfair, while No can be backed at odds of 1/1 with William Hill.
Method Of Victory Odds
In the ‘Method of Victory’ betting, Usyk is a 13/10 chance with Betway to win by Decision or Technical Decision.
Should you envisage Joshua getting the nod from the judges, you can get 13/2 with Betfair.
Usyk to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification is available at 11/4 with William Hill, with Joshua to win by the same method also being 11/4 with William Hill.
Joshua v Usyk Prediction:
Method of Victory – Oleksandr Usyk to win by Decision or Technical Decision @ 13/10 with Betfair
* Boxing odds quoted were correct at the time of writing. All betting odds are subject to changes.
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