ANTHONY JOSHUA comes into his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk as an underdog – both amongst his peers and the bookies.
It is not a position AJ has ever been in before in his career and he has it all to do in his Saudi Arabia rematch on Saturday.
Following a fairly one-sided defeat over 12 rounds in September, oddsmakers have Usyk as a 1/2 favourite to win.
It has helped shape the views of those inside the boxing business as SunSport runs down predictions from fighters.
Tyson Fury
Fury is linked with returning to fight the winner but in a blow to British fans, he is picking against AJ.
He told Gareth A Davies: after the rematch was announced: “In heavyweight boxing, it only takes one punch.
“It wasn’t a complete landslide last time, Usyk had a lot of marks on his face, he was cut up. He’s not hard to hit, Usyk, he’s right there in front of you.
“So Joshua can obviously land a big punch, but I just think that Usyk’s too cute for him. Too smart, too quick, and a southpaw.”
Prediction: Usyk
John Fury
Fury’s dad has gone the other way and has a funny feeling Joshua can avenge the loss.
John said on talkSPORT: “Don’t be surprised if AJ pulls it off.
“I’ve got a sneaky feeling again that AJ’s going to do it and he has this remarkable way of bouncing back doesn’t he.”
Prediction: Joshua
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Mike Tyson
The youngest heavyweight champion of all time did not give a straight prediction as to who will win, but knows AJ is in for a tough night.
He said on Instagram Live: “It’s gonna be hard to beat him
“It’s gonna be hard to beat Usyk because he’s fast and he outpunched Joshua with his jab.
“Joshua has to learn to deal with his jab.”
Prediction: Sitting on the fence
Deontay Wilder
Fellow former world champ was a lot more outspoken when giving his verdict on the fight.
Wilder told EsNEWS: “I’m going with Usyk, man.
‘I’m going with Usyk. A lot of people are. But you know what I mean, it’s boxing at the end of the day, so the world will see.
“But my pick is Usyk.”
Prediction: Usyk
Andy Ruiz Jr
The last time AJ was in a must-win rematch he bettered Andy Ruiz Jr over 12 rounds in Saudi – but the Mexican-American can’t split him and Usyk.
He told Fight Hub TV: “It only takes one punch to change the fight. So, it’s all up to the one that’s more hungry.
“Anthony Joshua goes down and he comes back up or he loses, and then he fights again to win.
“Usyk is a hard guy too. You know, his style. He throws combinations.”
Prediction: Sitting on the fence
Joe Joyce
Joyce is a former sparring partner of Joshua’s and lost to Usyk in the amateurs, so he knows both men well.
He told talkSPORT: “Usyk’s already beaten Joshua. So it’s the same thing again and he also has the confidence from beating him the first time.
“So, it’s down to Joshua now to step his game up and try and get back those titles. I still think Usyk’s got what it takes to bash him up again.
“But, Joshua has a punchers chance, a heavy punch, but if he can’t land those big shots then it’s Usyk again.”
Prediction: Usyk
Amir Khan
Khan linked up with Usyk in Dubai and watched him in action, but still the 2004 Olympic silver medalist is backing his countryman.
He told talkSPORT: “We all want AJ to win the fight obviously him being British, we want to bring them heavyweight titles back to Britain.
“I think he wins this fight, he beats Usyk, but it will be a difficult task.
“He then goes on and maybe does an undisputed clash with Tyson Fury, which will be a massive fight in the UK.”
Prediction: Joshua
Kell Brook
Khan was beaten by Brook in their February grudge match and it appears they are still not on the same page.
Brook said to Safe Betting Sites UK: “To be honest with you, I see Usyk beating him again.
“Unless Anthony Joshua comes out and he puts it on him from round one and uses his size and strength.
“The only way, in my opinion, that Anthony Joshua can win is to use his strength and his power and put it on him in that way.”
Prediction: Usyk
KSI
The YouTube boxing star is friends with Joshua, having both grown up in Watford, but the relationship doesn’t cloud his judgment.
KSI told DAZN: “Who do I think is going to win? I hate to say it, but I think Usyk. I’m sorry, bro, but I think Usyk is just too skillful.
“He’s had too many amateur fights, his experience is just too much, and his ability to adapt during a fight is just too good.
“Especially when he was fighting Chisora.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
