TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder have different views on Oleksandr Usyk’s chances of beating Anthony Joshua.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist defends his WBA, WBO and IBF belts against the Ukrainian at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September.
Unbeaten Usyk, 34, has won all of his 18 fights inside the squared circle, including two bouts at heavyweight since stepping up from cruiserweight.
But the Gypsy King believes he poses no threat on AJ, 31, as he backed his compatriot to easily come out on top.
He told SecondsOut: “I don’t believe Usyk is a heavyweight for one. I think he’s a pumped up cruiserweight who struggles with heavyweights.
“In my opinion, Derek Chisora beat Oleksandr Usyk – he certainly struggled with Derek Chisora and Joshua is a much bigger, stronger man than Derek.
“I think he walks straight through Usyk, people are trying to build it up as a scary fight but he didn’t have the power to halt cruiserweights like Mairis Briedis or whoever else he fought.
“So he ain’t going to halt AJ, 260-pounds of pure muscle and 6ft 6in, how’s he going to keep him off?”
But the Bronze Bomber, who will face Fury in their trilogy bout on July 24, has stated that Usyk could spring an upset victory.
Speaking to Sky Sports about Usyk’s chances of a win, he said: “Everyone is a threat until proven otherwise.
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“Every fight is dangerous – you never know what night a person will have.”
Joshua has insisted that competing against the former undisputed cruiserwight champ and Olympic gold medallist does not faze him.
When asked about the danger Usyk possesses, he remarked: “None. I fear none of them. He doesn’t bring anything that I haven’t seen before.
“Two arms, two legs, a brain and a bit of heart. That’s it, so let’s get it on. He’s a good fighter. I’m challenging myself in training – it’s not so much his challenge.
“I will go in there not thinking about the task ahead. That’s something I can’t do. I don’t want to overcomplicate this task.
“I will believe in myself, go in there and do what I know I can do. People don’t know what I can do until they are in the ring with me.
“I’ll show what I’m about. I will tick another box when the final bell goes – if it does go!”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
