Anthony Joshua compares fighting Oleksandr Usyk to “swatting fly” in sequel plan

Joshua is planning to approach rematching Usyk like “swatting a fly” in Saudi Arabia this August, stating that he cannot fight like Mike Tyson and must be himself to score victory

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

The video will auto-play soon8Cancel

Play now

Joshua and Usyk face off ahead of heavyweight world title rematch

Anthony Joshua believes he must approach his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk as if trying to “swat a fly”.

The British star has had his shot at revenge confirmed to take place on August 20 in a lucrative Middle East bout. Joshua has made changes to his training team by introducing new coach Robert Garcia, in a bid to make a change to his vastly-criticised approach last time out.

And Joshua has admitted he cannot enter the rematch using an overly-aggressive approach otherwise he will come unstuck for a second time. “We might have to box, that’s what he (Garcia) said,” Joshua revealed during an interview with JD in a teaser of their upcoming ‘Road to Redemption’ video. “It depends what Usyk brings as well. “It’s like trying to swat a fly. You know, because I’m the bigger man, I’m gonna’ go in there and just swat this fly and it is going to die.

“But you know how difficult it is to swat a fly because it moves around a lot and how energy-draining that is. I can’t just now come in and start boxing like Mike Tyson – it’s just not me – I have got to be the best me.

“This is a fight I went into as a favourite, I should have won. I’m very capable of winning it, however, I went against someone who wanted what I have. I just didn’t push the gas enough to make sure I had them belts with me.”

Joshua has been waiting for his opportunity at retribution ever since being outpointed by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. The Ukrainian was simply too slick and too evasive for Joshua who struggled to show his trademark power and aggression in the ring.

Do you think Anthony Joshua can defeat Oleksandr Usyk this summer? Let us know in the comments section below

The two-time champion parted ways with trainer Rob McCracken who was manning his corner during his second career defeat. He has since been working with Angel Fernandez, who was promoted to become a key figure in his coaching staff, at Loughborough University in a bid to conjure up a new gameplan.

If Joshua can secure another comeback victory against Usyk he could set up a mega undisputed title showdown with rival Tyson Fury if he opts to abandon retirement. ‘AJ’ is confident that victory in Jeddah will cement his status as a “boxing legend” despite his past losses.

“I feel when I go and beat Usyk, I’ll get the credit I deserve again,” he explained in an interview with ESPN. “And I’ll get the admiration for being a true boxing legend. I fought for the heavyweight championship in my 16th fight; I felt like it’s kind of overlooked. This is my 12th title fight in a row – I just feel like sometimes even though we’re selling out arenas and it’s good to be popular, I don’t really care for that stuff. I’d just want the respect in the division.”