Joshua vs Usyk press conference LIVE: Latest updates as heavyweights face off ahead of rematch
Find out what Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk had to say in Saudi Arabia, where their rematch will take place in August
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk spoke at a press conference in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, previewing their impending rematch as they came face to face for the first time since their initial clash. Usyk dethroned Joshua in London last September by outpointing the Briton to become WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion. “AJ” will look to avenge that defeat and hand Usyk the first loss of the Ukrainian’s professional career when they rematch on 20 August in Jeddah, where their pre-fight press conference took place.
“The fight with Usyk, he bust my a** for some rounds,” Joshua joked. “And I have to take that defeat like a man as well, I have to be accountable. In the fight in September, I was wrong and he was right. Simply I have to reverse that role in August. I don’t like to overcomplicate the situation, because there’s simplicity in genius. I’m just gonna keep things simple.”
The rematch was expected to take place in spring, but Usyk instead returned to his native Ukraine to aid the country’s defence against the ongoing Russian invasion. Addressing his compatriots on Tuesday, Usyk said: “As you all know, we are not in the best conditions at the moment back home. I never made some very loud and bright speeches, all I did was just work hard in my training camp, my gym, that’s what I’m gonna do until the date of the fight. Then I will enter the ring and I will make you happy with my boxing.” Find out what else Joshua and Usyk had to say, below.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Here’s a wrap of all the most important things that Joshua and Usyk had to say today, as well as some words from AJ’s new coach Robert Garcia:
Anthony Joshua: ‘We’re still on the road to undisputed’ as Usyk rematch nears
The Briton hinted that he still has his sights set on Tyson Fury, though he knows he must first upset the odds to beat Usyk in August
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Hearn says there will be a London press conference on Wednesday.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Usyk: “The reason for my happiness is not my championship belts, but that I have a family and wonderful team around me.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Usyk addresses his nation: “As you all know, we are not in the best conditions at the moment back home [in Ukraine].
“I never made some very loud and bright speeches, all I did was just work hard in my training camp, my gym, that’s what I’m gonna do until the date of the fight.
“Then I will enter the ring and I will make you happy with my boxing.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Joshua: “The governments don’t look at boxing like golf or tennis or a sport like that, but we represent ourselves like gentlemen. It has great things that it can offer young, apsiring children.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Joshua: “For me, becoming a champion is the long-term goal. Deep within your heart, you always know what you wanna achieve, but you look at the obstacles and challenges to get there.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Joshua: “I respect him and his craft, and what he’s achieved.
“If I’m around someone that’s better than me on the night, I have to push myself to be better than them. That’s all it’s done really, and thankfully I’ve got a second chance.
“When I was a youngster, I got in trouble a little bit, and I was blessed with a second chance.
“If you know my story, you know I’m the comeback king. You can put me down, but it’s difficult to keep me down.”
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