Anthony Joshua has been backed by Eddie Hearn to knockout Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch and become a three-time heavyweight champion.
Joshua, 32, has been on a collision course to fight Usyk for the second time ever since losing his belts to the Ukrainian last September. The pair meet again in Jeddah on August 20, with Joshua employing a new trainer in Robert Garcia for the rematch after parting ways with longtime coach Robert McCracken following his loss to Usyk.
Usyk's boxing future looked bleak when he put down his gloves to help defend his native Ukraine from an ongoing Russian invasion earlier this year. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion only decided to make his boxing return after being persuaded by the Ukrainian military. Usyk recently surprised fans by showing off his muscular physique which has given Joshua's promoter Hearn confidence in his fighter's chances to knockout the Ukrainian.
"He [Usyk] looks really big,' Hearn told Boxing Social. "I expect him to try and walk AJ down. I think this fight will be over in six rounds. I think it's going to be a war. I don't think Usyk wants to be walked down by AJ, to box off the back foot against an aggressive Anthony Joshua. I except him to be aggressive, and I think he's going to get knocked out."
Usyk has gained around 33lb since his last fight with Joshua according to former world champion Amir Khan, who recently visited 'The Cat' in his training camp. A lot has been made of Usyk's lack of size at the heavyweight since moving up from cruiserweight three years ago. He weighed 221lb for his first fight with Joshua as 'AJ' came in at 240lb on the night.
Who wins the rematch next weekend - Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
Hearn insists that Joshua is in a good place heading into his rematch against Usyk and is relishing the challenge of winning his belts back. 'AJ' has insisted that he will not change his style for the rematch but will rely on Garcia and Angel Fernandez to help him come up with a new gameplan to beat Usyk.
"He is in a good place, he knows how tough the challenge is but he is excited for the challenge," Hearn told Mirror Fighting . "Robert Garcia will be in his corner for this one and I am sure he will be very vocal in the build-up to the fight and during the fight. It is a tough fight and Usyk looks very big, we will see what happens but he is confident."
