Joshua vs. Usyk betting odds, preview, and pick
Anthony Joshua is all smiles after winning in 12 rounds against New Zealand's Joseph Parker. (Photo by Andrew Cornaga/Photosport/Icon Sportswire)
September 14th, 2021
Anthony Joshua (24-1) prepares to defend his heavyweight titles against former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (18-0) on Saturday, Sept. 25. We have the betting odds and preview you need before their eagerly anticipated showdown.
Joshua looking to impress against Usyk
While Joshua would have preferred the mega bout we all thought we’d get against Tyson Fury, he is not taking an easy fight in Usyk. We saw Joshua look as good as he’s ever been with a crushing ninth-round TKO win over Kubrat Pulev last December.
Joshua holds almost every advantage when it comes to size, power, reach, and maybe even speed. He isn’t too far removed from his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr., but Joshua is not facing an opponent who will try to swarm and crowd him in the methodical Usyk.
Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk tale of the tape
| Anthony Joshua | vs. | Oleksandr Usyk |
|---|
24-1 (22 KO) | Record | 18-0 (13 KO) |
31 | Age | 34 |
6'6" | Height | 6'3" |
82" | Reach | 78| |
4-1 (2 KO) | Last 5 Fights | 5-0 (2 KO) |
Athleticism and size | Key Intangibles | Technique and footwork |
Usyk wasting no time at heavyweight
Usyk is two fights into his heavyweight run after becoming an undisputed champion at cruiserweight. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of cruiserweight champions that won gold at heavyweight, Usyk defeated journeyman Derek Chisora last October by unanimous decision.
The Ukranian is as tricky as they come with his excellent footwork and sublime technique. He is also a deceptively strong puncher, though he hasn’t shown enough pop in his last two fights to suggest it can be a factor against Joshua.
Joshua will chop Usyk down late
As good as Usyk is, he’s up against a mobile heavyweight with power in both hands who is no slouch in the technical department. Beating Joshua requires taking risks as well as a physical, aggressive style to capitalize on periodic lapses in his defense.
If Usyk tries the conventional approach here, he’s going to be in for a long night. Joshua can beat him to the punch, manhandle him when they clinch, and force him to the ropes if he wants to bully Usyk around.
Even if Usyk feels compelled to trade blows, Joshua will be the bigger man by maybe 30 pounds. There is simply no room for error with Usyk here, whereas Joshua can take his time and pick his spots to land his big punches. It’s a bad style match up for Usyk, and Joshua will look like dynamite against him.
Expect Joshua to put Usyk down and out for a late-round TKO.
Free boxing pick: Joshua
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