Hearn predicts Joshua’s bout with Usyk will be a ‘draining’ fight
A nervous Eddie Hearn expects a mentally “draining” fight for Anthony Joshua when he takes on Oleksandr Usyk in their highly-anticipated showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Joshua has height and reach advantages and will almostcertainlybeheavierwhen he defends his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles this weekend, but Hearn is among those to anticipate the toughest test of the Briton’s career.
That is because of a breathtaking skill set possessed by the Ukrainian who won gold at London 2012 the day before Joshua in the division below, including deft footwork, blurring hand speed and stamina few others can match.
Usyk, a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion, is therefore regarded by Hearn as the most demanding of foes for Joshua, who has avenged a defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr and risen from the canvas to stop Wladimir Klitschko.
Promoter Hearn said: “I’m very nervous, which is great. I want to be nervous because I then know it’s a real fight.
“ThisisprobablyAJ’stoughesteverfightandIthinkhe’sgoing to prove to the world how good he is. He’s ready for this fight but it’s the ultimate challenge with someone that’s very strong mentally.
“Mentallyitwillbedraining (for Joshua) because he’s going to have to think a lot, there will bealotoffeintsfrombothmen and reactions are going to be key. I just can’t wait to watch it unfold, it’s a real, real high-end heavyweightfight.(Usykis)going to be a tough, tough nut to crack.”
While Hearn may be anxious at how the headline event will unfold on Saturday night, where more than 60,000 fans are set to be in attendance at northLondon,hehasbeenimpressed at Joshua’s confident demeanour in the build-up.
Hearn said: “I’ve never seen him so assured about a fight which is ironic because technically this is his toughest fight.Heknowshowtoughthis fightis,hewantstoprovetothe world that he’s the best heavyweight in the world.”
JoshuaistakingonhisWBO mandatory because a bout againstTysonFuryfellthrough –despitemonthsofprotracted back and forth negotiations – after the WBC champion was ordered to defend his crown against Deontay Wilder.
It is hoped that if both JoshuaandFury,whofightsWilder for a third time on October 9, come through their respective latestteststhenamouthwateringclashbetweenthetwocompatriots can be arranged next year.