This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
On August 24, 2021, Anthony Joshua revealed his strategy for defending his World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, and World Boxing Organisation heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk.
The 31-year-old British boxer will face the undefeated Ukrainian former undisputed cruiserweight world champion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on September 25, 2021.
Joshua emphasized the importance of mental preparation, stating, "I'm looking trim for this fight." He explained that he is training like a 15-round fighter, allowing his body to adapt and take its natural form.
Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) is focusing on adopting a streetwise approach to combat the guile of Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), who has had just two fights since stepping up to the heavyweight division.
"I am sharpening the mind so that I can concentrate for the 12 rounds," Joshua said. "It's a fight for the brain. Knowing what you've got in front of you and knowing how to deal with it."
The defence against Usyk replaced a long-awaited unification title fight with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, which was scuppered when a United States arbitrator ruled World Boxing Council champion Fury must defend his title against Deontay Wilder.
