Oleksandr Usyk isn’t the biggest heavyweight, but he’s a physical specimen nonetheless, and after piling on the muscle in training camp, his body looks in peak condition.
Throughout his career, the Ukrainian has developed a reputation for his incredible boxing brain. He understands the sport like no other. While in the ring with his opponent, he downloads the data before bamboozling them with his incredible footwork. But despite unifying every belt in the Cruiserweight division, fans feared he lacked the size to compete with the big boys.
Following two bouts in the weight class, he stepped up to fight Anthony Joshua for three of the world championship belts. Although most fans knew he had superior skill, they couldn’t look past the size and reach he was giving away. Therefore, a large portion of the boxing public felt AJ would render him unconscious with his big right hand.
However, despite giving away a few of the early rounds, as soon as Usyk snapped into gear, he began to take over. He utilised his box of tricks to leave his opponent in complete bewilderment. The southpaw cruised through the later rounds, en route to a decision victory. But despite things working out perfectly, he’s chosen to make one key adjustment ahead of the rematch.
Oleksandr Usyk has transformed his body
In the first fight, AJ attempted to outbox his opponent. However, knowing that didn’t work out, he’ll have to change his game plan drastically. Regardless of the risks, he’ll have to head into the eye of the storm, with his eye on a stoppage.
From Usyk’s perspective, that means one thing. He’ll have to survive the tidal wave of an opponent who’s desperately trying to take his head off.
In order to deal with this version of Joshua, he has put on a mass amount of muscle. AJ will likely aim to lean all over his smaller rival. Therefore, Usyk needs the strength to wrestle him off. And according to his promoter Alex Krassyuk, he’s more than ready for the task ahead.
He told Sky Sports: “We watch his recently posted videos and realise that he looks like a cyborg.
“He went through hell within the last three months. And it did not kill him but made him even stronger. I’ve never seen him more determined than now.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
