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Oleksandr Usyk has predicted Anthony Joshua will knock out Jake Paul inside one round, as the unified heavyweight world champion despised the fight as a sporting event.
Two-time former heavyweight champion Joshua will shine Almost two-stone advantage About YouTuber turned boxer Paul highly criticized Professional combat in eight three-minute rounds. Given that Paul’s 13-fight career has primarily involved former UFC stars or faded boxing greats, this contest and Joshua’s involvement has caused a reaction in the boxing world.
Thursday’s official weigh-in may not have silenced the skeptics, with Joshua tipping the scales at 17st 5lbs. Paul, who has regularly fought at cruiserweight since changing his life as an influencer to enter the world of boxing, came in at 15st 6lbs, a huge difference of 26.8lbs.
Usyk, who has an excellent record of 24 wins in 24 professional bouts, Joshua fought twice in 12 roundsWinning by unanimous decision in London in 2021 and winning by split decision in Saudi Arabia next summer.
Speaking to Ufcpod, Usyk said: “It’s just a lot of money, just a show. It’s not an interesting game. Because Anthony is an Olympic champion, Jake is just a player.”
Usyk pointed to the scars on his forehead to show the permanent damage done by Joshua in their fights. “In my opinion, it is [finished after] One round, ’cause I fight Anthony twice, [and his] strike? Pfft. Look, look, it is from his blow…”
He mimicked a blow before adding: “Boom!”
Joshua has insisted that the fight is a legitimate contest in which he is free to hurt his much younger, more inexperienced opponent.
“I want them (fans) to pray for me, I want them to pray for my opponent because he’s going to need it,” he told Netflix. “I’m going to beat this kid, I’m just going to beat him. I’m a serious fighter, that’s the difference, I’m a serious, serious fighter.”
When the pair raised their fists towards each other after the weigh-in, Joshua avoided a head-to-head confrontation.
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He insisted there was “mutual respect” between the pair and said he had only told Paul: “Don’t touch me.”
Paul said he told Joshua he smelled fear. “I see something in his eyes, I really do,” he said. “The pressure is on him. I’m fighting independently, I’ve already won. It’s a lose-lose situation for him.”