Joshua beaten

Typical AJ recent performance. Less of an issue when your opponent just likes to stand there and trade. Usyk is a different animal. This is why Fury is all wrong for him too. I fancy AJ against wilder though.

 

Joshua well beaten by the better man. I think Usyk has answered any questions about whether he can compete at heavyweight. He's got to be recognised as one of the all time very best now.

My only concern with Usyk now is that he's 35 in January, which isn't old but he'll probably start slowing down when he gets to 36/37.

If I was AJ I wouldn't fancy the rematch. Obviously he's got to say he will go away and recalibrate, but there must be a part of him that recognises that Usyk is just superior. Another loss too and it really is game over.

 

Johnny Nelson explained last night that Usyk's body hasn't quite got used to the additional weight. He's still extremely quick and the weight he's fighting at now is his training weight. He reckons over the next few years he'll naturally slowdown due to his body accepting the new natural weight. He will need to add weight for long training camps prior to a fight, or he'll need to constantly maintain a weight which isn't easy.
I have the same problem, a few weeks on the beer and Percy pies and I'm struggling.

 

I prefer when you post away from Barnsley FC matters like then as it's the only times you aren't biased with your opinion.

 

Of course I’m biased with my opinions. They’re mine. That’s the point.

 

I have never thought he was good as a Professional, doesn't have the aggression, anger and drive to succeed. Sure he's rich,he's a media celebrity and will appear on countless shows but Heavyweight champion, no,not really.

 

31 isn't old. But then again i never said it was. I stated that its a convoluted route to future success now and time consuming. I don't see retirement as quitting but i guess if thats your perception that would mean we are all quitters at some stage. But its hard to argue that he actually gave it a go yesterday and also pointed out by some pros. Not saying he quit but certainly didnt show up as someone with a game plan to take it to Him. But i asked what you would suggest next? The way i see it is a rematch will now be next year. If he loses then what? If he wins will the Fury fight have passed by? People want that but it seems manoeuvring of promotional match ups doesnt want it. If (i dont think it will) it ever happens it will be a shame that it will be passed their peak.

 

The weirdest thing from that fight for me was whoever it was in Joshua's corner repeatedly shouting: "Brilliant Josh, well done."

He tried to box the best boxer he'll probably ever face. He needed to go in there and dominate him with his size, his strength, his power. Nobody who knows boxing would have predicted him beating Usyk on points.

I personally expected to see Usyk start fast, but perhaps tire halfway in and end up getting hurt, with AJ going in for the kill, getting him out. But he barely thew a combination all night and it was in fact he who took the biggest punches. That one down the pipe clocked him a number of times. And we all know AJ doesn't react well to punishment.

But all that being said, Usyk was incredible in everything he did. His eye looked sore after three rounds, Joshua's jab was working in that regard. But he just kept on coming, remained the aggressor, continued with the footwork and making it impossible for a very stiff Joshua to really plant his own feet. We all knew what Usyk had in his locker. But I don't think I was the only one who doubted his ability to mix it with the top heavies. Last night proved he could do more than mix it. He beat the champion with ease in his own backyard.

I don't think he'd have the same level of success against Fury who can move a bit himself, and who I'd see just overpowering him, leaning all over him, making it uncomfortable etc. But it would be a very intriguing matchup based on last night. But that's why I always did - and will always continue to - tip Fury over Joshua. He's vastly superior at boxing. Power and strength can only get you so far. Point in case - Deontay Wilder. He always has a genuine chance because he has that one-punch power. But if he can't land that, then he should always lose every round against Fury (and thus Usyk) because they're technically next level.

AJ has to take the rematch. And he'll hopefully - for his sake - have taken a lot from being in there with him already, and find a way to exact revenge. As he did vs Ruiz the second time around. But being humbled, twice now, it's got to have an effect.

And even though I believe Fury is the best there is, you can't rule out old chicken legs detonating a bomb in a couple of weeks time and then the division is even more interesting!

PS - that was the worst undercard for a PPV I've ever endured. Glad the main event was top notch.

 

I like Joshua but IMO he is done because I don't see him winning a re-match. His boxing ability is limited and he was found out last night. He's now come out and said he doesn't regret the tactics. I suppose that's support for his trainer Rob McCracken but I think he needs to team up with someone else and go in a different direction.