[ BOXING POLL ADDED ] The Rematch - JOSHUA vs USYK II (updated thread)

[btc_angela]

Many professionals knew Usyk could win the fight, I only learned about that minutes before the fight started and they were speaking in the commentary in the studio. Those that fought against him at cruiserweight knew he was the real deal. Those professionals that saw his cruiserweight fights also knew he was well capable of winning.

I always thought Usyk would fall short and Joshua would win but what do I know? 

Usyk now can now double his money with the Joshua re-match and if he wins again he will probably take part in the richest heavyweight boxing fight of all time which will make the winner the unified undisputed heavyweight champion.

I think Fury will hold all the belts then will retire undefeated  

Bellew was one of the best Cruiserweights in history and he got defeated against Usyk by knockout. I thought Bellew was winning most of the fight up until the knockout but Usyk proved he was a good boxer before fighting Joshua but I think most people try to describe and hype up Joshua as this undefeated opponent because of his appearance. A man like Joshua should not be losing against Ruiz and I think now fighters see his flaws and are not scared of him any more. Usyk showed little respect of his power and when Usyk was clipped by Joshua he countered immediately every time. I think Joshua might be finished at the top level and will be a top 3 fighter but will never hold onto belts again. If Fury gets the belts there is no chance that Joshua will beat him for the belts. If Fury retires and Wilder gets the belts that is the only chance I see Joshua holding belts again but Wilder is not going to beat Usyk. The only person who can beat Usyk is Fury imo.

The hype on AJ is already gone, he is no longer invincible as been promoted, his flaw has been exposed specially by Usyk in this fight. He can't fight a technical boxer. But a fight between him and Wilder is good match up, but I don't think as well that he can take out Wilder. Punch per punch Wilder is stronger than him.

So if AJ chooses to exercise his rematch clause, I'm not seeing him getting his belt back. Usyk has the blue print already, he will just used it again. I agree that Fury can beat Usyk, probably by late stoppage of a UD.

[Minor Miner]

Bellew was one of the best Cruiserweights in history and he got defeated against Usyk by knockout. I thought Bellew was winning most of the fight up until the knockout but Usyk proved he was a good boxer before fighting Joshua but I think most people try to describe and hype up Joshua as this undefeated opponent because of his appearance. A man like Joshua should not be losing against Ruiz and I think now fighters see his flaws and are not scared of him any more. Usyk showed little respect of his power and when Usyk was clipped by Joshua he countered immediately every time. I think Joshua might be finished at the top level and will be a top 3 fighter but will never hold onto belts again. If Fury gets the belts there is no chance that Joshua will beat him for the belts. If Fury retires and Wilder gets the belts that is the only chance I see Joshua holding belts again but Wilder is not going to beat Usyk. The only person who can beat Usyk is Fury imo.

The hype on AJ is already gone, he is no longer invincible as been promoted, his flaw has been exposed specially by Usyk in this fight. He can't fight a technical boxer. But a fight between him and Wilder is good match up, but I don't think as well that he can take out Wilder. Punch per punch Wilder is stronger than him.
So if AJ chooses to exercise his rematch clause, I'm not seeing him getting his belt back. Usyk has the blue print already, he will just used it again. I agree that Fury can beat Usyk, probably by late stoppage of a UD.

As his weaknesses are exposed by Usyk, I hardly believe that Joshua will be able to perform more consistently from now onwards. As you said that you consider him to be a top 3 boxer right now, I think that he is the 3rd among the top 3. Because Tyson Fury and Wilder have still got it and unless both of them retire which may not happen very soon, he is not getting any more belts in my opinion. And though Joshua has got the power in his punches, but a technical fighter will ground him with no hesitation.

[Baofeng]

It seems that Joshua will exercise for a rematch, Usyk has somewhat confirmed it and the target date is Feb-March.

Mentally it will be tough for Joshua, but maybe he thinks he can reclaim all his belt and adjust on the rematch. Probably if everything has settled down, the fight could be officially announce late December or early January 2022.

And then fight the winner of Fury vs Wilder III for a unification of the major belts.

"When we were talking to Oleksandr about the rematch, he wasn't upset. On the contrary, he was happy. He was glad and said: 'Oh, cool! I will beat up Anthony twice!'

"The approximate time that Eddie Hearn announced at the press conference after the fight, February-March, is indeed true."

"We can talk about the unification of all the belts only after Fury will have a boxing match again Wilder, and they determine the champion, and after our rematch with Anthony," Usyk said.

"Of course, I would like very much to have this unification match."

https://www.boxingscene.com/usyk-joshua-rematch-first-then-unify-with-fury-wilder-winner--160876

[Saisher]

It seems that Joshua will exercise for a rematch, Usyk has somewhat confirmed it and the target date is Feb-March.

Mentally it will be tough for Joshua, but maybe he thinks he can reclaim all his belt and adjust on the rematch. Probably if everything has settled down, the fight could be officially announce late December or early January 2022.

And then fight the winner of Fury vs Wilder III for a unification of the major belts.

Joshua has a big mountain to climb because of his weak showing against Usyk, of course, Joshua can opt for a rematch but he needs more than training to beat Usyk who is a very technical fighter, on his fight against Ruiz he underestimated him and was caught by those big punches, but against Usyk he was schooled on how to hit and not to get hit and you cannot be a technical fighter in a matter of months, Joshua relies on size and power all his career, but we'll, he has done it once he can do it again.

[Sithara007]

Joshua has a big mountain to climb because of his weak showing against Usyk, of course, Joshua can opt for a rematch but he needs more than training to beat Usyk who is a very technical fighter, on his fight against Ruiz he underestimated him and was caught by those big punches, but against Usyk he was schooled on how to hit and not to get hit and you cannot be a technical fighter in a matter of months, Joshua relies on size and power all his career, but we'll, he has done it once he can do it again.

There is a "rematch clause" in the contract, which has been activated by Anthony Joshua's team. So Usyk needs to fight him again in the next 6-7 months. There is still some confusion regarding the venue of the fight. Usyk's team want the fight to take place in Kiev, Ukraine. But Joshua's promoter (Eddie Hearn) has rejected that suggestion. IMO, Kiev sounds good. Joshua had the home advantage in first fight, which took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Let Usyk have it next time. Why always the fight needs to be arranged as per Joshua's terms? 

[smyslov]

There is a "rematch clause" in the contract, which has been activated by Anthony Joshua's team. So Usyk needs to fight him again in the next 6-7 months. There is still some confusion regarding the venue of the fight. Usyk's team want the fight to take place in Kiev, Ukraine. But Joshua's promoter (Eddie Hearn) has rejected that suggestion. IMO, Kiev sounds good. Joshua had the home advantage in first fight, which took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Let Usyk have it next time. Why always the fight needs to be arranged as per Joshua's terms? 

It will be very depressing for Joshua to fight in Usyk hometown, the only man who totally dominate him in a technical match and besides Joshua is not good fighting in a hostile crowd the Ukrainian will definitely boo him and cheer Usyk and his manager knows all that, there's a possibility that it will be held in a neutral ground, I have this feeling that Usyk is his kryptonite and he can beat him again and retire Joshua.

[Kemarit]

Joshua has a big mountain to climb because of his weak showing against Usyk, of course, Joshua can opt for a rematch but he needs more than training to beat Usyk who is a very technical fighter, on his fight against Ruiz he underestimated him and was caught by those big punches, but against Usyk he was schooled on how to hit and not to get hit and you cannot be a technical fighter in a matter of months, Joshua relies on size and power all his career, but we'll, he has done it once he can do it again.

There is a "rematch clause" in the contract, which has been activated by Anthony Joshua's team. So Usyk needs to fight him again in the next 6-7 months. There is still some confusion regarding the venue of the fight. Usyk's team want the fight to take place in Kiev, Ukraine. But Joshua's promoter (Eddie Hearn) has rejected that suggestion. IMO, Kiev sounds good. Joshua had the home advantage in first fight, which took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Let Usyk have it next time. Why always the fight needs to be arranged as per Joshua's terms? 

I agree, Joshua should understand that he is no longer the champion here, he is not the A-side anymore. Usyk bend on the first fight and on their terms, fight in London where Joshua eventually lost.

This time it should be in Kiev, it will be huge for Usyk and I'm sure even Joshua's fans are willing to travel and watch the fight live and I do hope that Usyk will also have the lion share of the split, Joshua here has no bargaining power because he lost.

[Kittygalore]

~

Usyk has advanced from cruiserweight to heavyweight. He has got only 1 fight as a heavy, but won everything as a cruiser. He has a great number of amateur fight also. His strenght are speed and long combos. His weakness is lack of weight probably. He will be lightest heavyweight.

It seems that the weight disadvantage didn't stop Usyk from destroying Joshua. Your analysis on the factors that can make him win is on point, the speed, strength and his experience really did show in that fight, must've been a surprise for Joshua and hopefully a rematch will happen since the news said there's a talk of rematch.

[mu_enrico]

Looking back, it seems AJ is a truly overrated boxer. No wonder Fury was very confidence to beat him. AJ probably lost his mojo, his appetite for becoming a champion. A fighter that is not blood thirsty is no longer feared. His smile when he was in trouble also didn't help. This happens when you underestimate your opponent and not giving 200% effort. He is no longer a warrior, and it's not worth it to bet on him. #RektBettors

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Looking back, it seems AJ is a truly overrated boxer. No wonder Fury was very confidence to beat him. AJ probably lost his mojo, his appetite for becoming a champion. A fighter that is not blood thirsty is no longer feared. His smile when he was in trouble also didn't help. This happens when you underestimate your opponent and not giving 200% effort. He is no longer a warrior, and it's not worth it to bet on him. #RektBettors

Usually when a fighter smile, it means they are hurt, just like what we have seen against Usyk.

So yeah, he might have lost his mojo already, still bankable but I don't think he still the fire inside of him. And we really don't know what happen to him in the Usyk fight, he didn't adjust or anything and doesn't have the same pop on his punches. Perhaps he underestimate Usyk just like when he underestimate Ruiz. Now he needs to win in a rematch to capture his belt and then set up a big fight against Fury.

[robelneo]

Joshua's camp invoked the rematch clause I was thinking that Joshua will train very hard, analyze what went wrong, and come out with a better strategy, I'm hoping that Joshua will do the same thing that he did with Ruiz and Joshua will become great again, I was thinking that until I stumble this article that fully analyze Joshua's chances against Usyk in their rematch and it seems Joshua's Rematch Outlook Seems Bleak.

Without an Intensity Implant, Joshua's Rematch Outlook Seems Bleak

With Usyk, he won’t have that advantage to work with.
This wasn’t a fortunate result that sprang from a lucky punch.
This was a comprehensive fundamental beatdown delivered by a man to a pound-for-pound boy.

Getting an immediate rematch is not a good idea Joshua should take a big turnaround by becoming a more technical fighter and not a one-punch fighter he needs a match against a boxer that is as good as Usyk, but he can overcome that will turn him into a technical boxer.

[KTChampions]

Joshua's camp invoked the rematch clause I was thinking that Joshua will train very hard, analyze what went wrong, and come out with a better strategy, I'm hoping that Joshua will do the same thing that he did with Ruiz and Joshua will become great again, I was thinking that until I stumble this article that fully analyze Joshua's chances against Usyk in their rematch and it seems Joshua's Rematch Outlook Seems Bleak.

Without an Intensity Implant, Joshua's Rematch Outlook Seems Bleak

With Usyk, he won’t have that advantage to work with.
This wasn’t a fortunate result that sprang from a lucky punch.
This was a comprehensive fundamental beatdown delivered by a man to a pound-for-pound boy.

Getting an immediate rematch is not a good idea Joshua should take a big turnaround by becoming a more technical fighter and not a one-punch fighter he needs a match against a boxer that is as good as Usyk, but he can overcome that will turn him into a technical boxer.

In my opinion, if you watched the fight, then Joshua's gloomy prospects in the rematch should be immediately clear without any articles. And I do not think that in preparation he should focus on technique and try to compete with Usyk here - on the contrary, he should try to defeat Usyk not in smart boxing (where he is weaker than Usyk), but in power, where, thanks to physical data, he should be stronger.

[Silberman]

I find this one very odd after the bell of the last round ring Usyk raise his hand and Joshua did not and he sat on his stool for several minutes before being urged to get up and go to the referee for the announcement but once Michael Buffer announce Usyk as the winner, Joshua was in total shock I don't know if it's the result or the score, I agree on the unanimous decision and I guess majority will also agree I don't know why Joshua was in total shock when he should not.

 Full story and the footage here
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/anthony-joshua-sarcastic-reaction-usyk-25074850

I noticed that too, to begin with every single fighter whether they win or lose they need to celebrate as if they did, the judges are still judging the match even after is over, he just went to his stool and sat there all the time until it was time to proclaim the winner, that alone lost him the last round, you cannot look like a beaten man when your opponent is standing up all the time while looking fresh, I really think Joshua has lost the love to the sport, he looks as if he does not care and as if just his presence is enough to guarantee a win, unlike what happened with Ruiz which can be justified as a fluke he went and fought against a technical fighter and if they fought 10 times I think Usyk will beat him 9 times out of those 10.

[JollyGood]

It will not be boring because Fury will probably floor Usyk 3 or 4 times before the fight is over. How many times did Wilder hit the floor before the fight was over?

I think Usyk has the heart of a fighter but so did Wilder when he met Fury. The fight will not be boring even though the outcome seems clear 

^^ It just dawn on me, a fight will be Fury vs Usyk might be boring? No?

Both are technical fighters, as we all know that style makes fights right? So two fighters with the same style? Maybe we will see that no one wants to throw punch and wait for the others to make mistakes? So we don't know if Fury will be the aggressor on that fight and Usyk contend to counter punch or let Fury missed his punch.

[Marykeller]

Anthony Joshua is not a talented boxer and will never be, real boxing fans from 80s fights at least can confirm to this without sentiments. He is not fast, he has no good jabs, does not use his reach and height advantage, he stands there and does nothing but dancing around, and he is scared of taking punches, when I remember the likes of Tyson, holy field, razor, lenox Lewis, etc, watch, Tyson vs Donovan 1&2, then you will know that Anthony Joshua and some of the heavyweights are boring to watch

[South Park]

^^ It just dawn on me, a fight will be Fury vs Usyk might be boring? No?

Both are technical fighters, as we all know that style makes fights right? So two fighters with the same style? Maybe we will see that no one wants to throw punch and wait for the others to make mistakes? So we don't know if Fury will be the aggressor on that fight and Usyk contend to counter punch or let Fury missed his punch.

Fury is bigger than Usyk so if we get to see that fight I have no doubts that Fury is going to do something similar to what he did against Wilder during the second fight, he used his weight to his advantage and forced Wilder to carry him on, this tired Wilder really quickly and drained his physical endurance and gave him an easy win, also I think Usyk will have to be the aggressor as Fury also knows how to use the jab really well so he cannot sit down and wait for Fury to come to him when Fury can destroy him with his jab alone, so I think if it comes to happen it would be a very interesting fight but Fury will be the favorite.

[JollyGood]

I tend to agree with you but you have to accept that become world heavyweight champion you have to have some talent. Joshua is big and powerful but that does not always bring rewards as he noted in his first fight against Ruiz and this one against Usyk. Let us also remember he was a points decision against Parker too so Joshua is limited in his talent and his approach but respect to him for being heavyweight champion twice and if he beats Usyk he will be champion again.

If you compare Joshua at his peak with say Holyfield or Lennox or Foreman (on his comeback) then Joshua gets knocked out before 4 rounds. If you compare Joshua at his peak with Tyson at his peak then Joshua gets destroyed in the first round - simple.

Anthony Joshua is not a talented boxer and will never be, real boxing fans from 80s fights at least can confirm to this without sentiments. He is not fast, he has no good jabs, does not use his reach and height advantage, he stands there and does nothing but dancing around, and he is scared of taking punches, when I remember the likes of Tyson, holy field, razor, lenox Lewis, etc, watch, Tyson vs Donovan 1&2, then you will know that Anthony Joshua and some of the heavyweights are boring to watch

[KTChampions]

I think that in order to be able to seriously talk about the Fury - Usyk fight as a competitive one, it is necessary that Usyk gain at least a little weight (can he, given that he has already moved to a new weight category for himself?). Now Usyk weighs 100 kg, and Fury 123 (or already more) - 23 kilograms of difference, in fact, they are in different weight categories.

[Saisher]

I think that in order to be able to seriously talk about the Fury - Usyk fight as a competitive one, it is necessary that Usyk gain at least a little weight (can he, given that he has already moved to a new weight category for himself?). Now Usyk weighs 100 kg, and Fury 123 (or already more) - 23 kilograms of difference, in fact, they are in different weight categories.

He will lose his speed and probably his accuracy if he gains more weight than he can afford, he is ok with his current weight as long as Usyk maintains that speed and accuracy, he can fight anybody as he did with Joshua and beat him, heavyweight is the only division where there is no maximum weight limit, Usyk if ever will add more weight it will not be more that will hinder his speed.

[JollyGood]

We all know what Fury is capable of doing in the ring but now he has the added motivation of being a unified undisputed heavyweight champion if he can get past Wilder again and if can beat the winner of Joshua vs Usyk II. Even if Usyk defeated Joshua again then managed to put on weight, he will be no match for Fury.

I think that in order to be able to seriously talk about the Fury - Usyk fight as a competitive one, it is necessary that Usyk gain at least a little weight (can he, given that he has already moved to a new weight category for himself?). Now Usyk weighs 100 kg, and Fury 123 (or already more) - 23 kilograms of difference, in fact, they are in different weight categories.