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By Emmanuel Adeleke
British professional boxer, Anthony Joshua, has said the new look of his opponent, Oleksandr Usyk, can only make him absorb more punishment.
Joshua stated this during their final press conference before their title rematch on Saturday, August 20.
The two-time world heavyweight champion said he noticed that Usyk had gotten bigger for the second fight, warning the Ukrainian that it won’t be enough and would only help him (Usyk) absorb more punishment.
“If you’re a puncher, punchers aren’t made, they’re born.
“Bulking up, it’s probably to help you absorb more punishment. Lifting weights and all that doesn’t really make you a puncher. But it may help you absorb more punishment,” Joshua said
He also welcomed the challenge of Usyk’s preparations for the upcoming match.
“I can’t speak on what his game plan is or why he’s done it. They know why, I want it to work for him because I want a good fight. I want to put on a good show,” he said
Joshua denied any form of mind games, saying he was focused on the action in the ring.
“It is what it is. If you are into body language and psychology then you can read into it. But that’s not really my forte. My forte is boxing and on Saturday that’s where I’ve got to do my studying.
“I don’t really take too much from a press conference, it is what it is. You say what you want to say and you do your best on Saturday night. That’s what I’m focused on.
“I feel like the competitive spirit has risen up. This time, I don’t care, I just want to win, whatever it takes.
“So, that might mean exerting more energy, more punch combinations so your mindset changes towards what your goals are. So, this time my goal is just about competing, winning,” he said.
Speaking, Usyk said: “I get my motivation from my people, from my country, from my family, from the Lord, from my faith.
“The sun goes up, we get up. The deer is running and the tiger is chasing it. If it wants to live, it has to run away from the tiger. If he wants to live he has to catch it to eat.
“The one who does not compete, does not live.”