Sequel time: Can Oleksandr Usyk defeat Anthony Joshua again?

This Saturday in Saudi Arabia, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will be searching for redemption, while defending champion Oleksander Usyk will attempt to continue where he left off. 

The pressure is on Joshua to win.

Retired at the moment, Tyson Fury - isn’t confident that Joshua can prevail.

"It wasn’t a complete landslide last time,” Fury said in an article posted on www.DAZN.com. “Usyk had a lot of marks on his face; he was cut up. So, Joshua can land a big punch, but I think that Usyk’s too cute for him. Too smart, too quick, and a southpaw.”

Joshua will have new trainer Robert Garcia in his corner. Garcia is an excellent trainer and should give Joshua a fresh perspective. 

The problem is IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk can fight. 

The Ukrainian native is the ultimate road warrior. He’ll box anywhere.  

Usyk captured his first world title six years ago by traveling to Gdańsk, Poland, his undefeated opponent’s home country, and was triumphant. 

Two years later, Usyk unified the cruiserweight division by edging Mairis Briedis in the semifinal of the World Boxing Super Series tournament. He faced Russian Murat Gassiev (in the finals, a knockout artist who had starched 10 of his last 12 opponents. Usyk boxed beautifully, playing Olay- en route to winning all 12 rounds. 

Usyk next fought former champion and hometown hero Tony Bellew in London. 

Thousands of Bellows fans came out to support their man. The early rounds were tight. Usyk, like a scientist studying a bug under a hot light, began to take over. He stunned Bellew with a right in round eight and put him to sleep with a beautiful left to the jaw.

Moving up to heavyweight, Usyk struggled against Derek Chisora. Many thought that a better heavyweight would roll over him. They figured it would be Anthony Joshua, fresh off a knockout victory over Kubrat Pulev. 

Joshua had put his career back together after being stopped by Andy Ruiz in 2019. A temple shot did the trick. Joshua regained the heavyweight belt by defeating Ruiz in a rematch six months later. The fight was a battle of extremes as Joshua came in lighter while Ruiz, who had celebrated his time as heavyweight champion a bit too much, came in heavier. Joshua outboxed Ruiz over 12 rounds. 

The WBO informed Joshua several months later that he must defend his belt against Usyk, the fighter, and his promoter Eddie Hearn didn’t like it.

It took observing the opening round between the two to see why. Usyk was bobbing, feinting, and weaving. 3-1 Favorite Joshua, who 19 of 21 writers said would defeat Usyk, took it all in. Usyk, fighting out of a southpaw stance, nailed Joshua with straight left hands to the chin and body.

Usyk easily won the early rounds - staggering Joshua in round three.

Joshua did better in rounds five and six, but Usyk, busier and more accurate, dominated round seven. Joshua battled, but Usyk cemented his victory in the 12th and final round, hurting Joshua with combinations.

Joshua is confident the rematch will have a different outcome. 

“Things happen in life,” Joshua said. “But resilience, mental toughness, and consistency will always prevail. It’s just a little blip in the road, but I’m focused.”

Focus is one thing - talent is another. 

Joshua will have to impose his size and execute. Will he be able to stick to his plan after Usyk strafes his face with punches?

It doesn’t seem likely. Oleksandr Usyk to win by late stoppage or decision.