Anthony Joshua appears to have hinted he will target Oleksandr Usyk's body during their rematch tonight.
Joshua will look to overturn last year's defeat by Usyk when he takes on the Ukrainian in a rematch at the in Saudi Arabia. The British star was criticised for his tactical approach to the first fight where he attempted to outbox his rival in contrast to his traditionally powerful and aggressive style.
He has since made several adjustments during his preparations including the addition of new trainer Robert Garcia who is hoping to rekindle the aggression and power of the heavyweight star. Many have suggested that Joshua could see joy out of attacking the body of his rival when they touch gloves tonight.
And Joshua appears to have dropped his biggest hint he will do exactly that, telling Usyk in the face-off: "How's your body shot? In sparring. Stay strong." Joshua and Usyk shook hands in a more brief face-off before turning away and saluting the media and small crowd that attended the event.
The British star has changed his preparation for this fight, relocating from his Sheffield base to Loughborough University alongside Garcia and Angel Fernandez. They believe they have devised a game plan for Joshua to unlock Usyk and get his second episode of revenge in the Middle East.
Joshua's long-term rival Fury also chimed in on Joshua's tactics by also suggesting for the Briton to attack the body while demonstrating the shots on coach Andy Lee. And the 32-year-old's promoter Eddie Hearn also believes body work could be his key to success after finally admitting his mistakes from the first fight.
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“For a long time he was quite rebellious and said I could have beaten him like that and when he sat down with Robert they saw a way to beat him," Hearn said. "He has finally accepted the mistakes he made in the first fight.
"What you have to do is cut him off and f****** hit him anywhere you want around the body. He doesn’t like it around the body, he said after the fight Usyk‘ that was a hard night’s work’ and he didn't even hit him."
