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
Joshua: “With Andy Ruiz, I think a lot of people could see before the fight that things weren’t 100 per cent [with me].
“But we take our loss like a man; if you lose, you have to stay humble. I knew I could come back again and do what I have to do.
“The fight with Usyk, he bust my a** for some rounds! 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.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Joshua: “Definitely the hunger is still there. Blips happen, things happen in life, but resilience, mental toughness and consistency will always prevail.
“We’re still on the road to undisputed for sure.
“God willing, I’ll perform and I’ll become three-time heavyweight champion of the world.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Krassyuk: “It’s an absolutely huge event, it’s a huge honour to be a part of it. It took us a lot of effort and will to make it happen.
“In February and March, we had to face the challenge of war in our country. We were not sure that this fight might take place, but finally we put ourselves together, we made the decision to get into the fight, and now we’re here representing Ukraine with pride in our hearts.
“Let the best man win.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Garcia: “We’ve got to be prepared for everything.
“I think Anthony has all the tools to beat him, we just have to do the things [we do] in the gym.
“I have no doubt that on 20 August he will be champion again.
“All the hard work he does in the gym, it motivates me, also. I know how much he wants it. I want my first heavyweight champion of the world.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Garcia: “I want to congratulate Usyk and his team for all the success they had. They’re great people, a great team.
“I’ve been going back and forth to England since December. I see a different Anthony now. I think he fought the wrong fight, but that’s the past, that happened already.
“Come 20 August, we’re gonna do what it takes. [AJ] is the bigger man, he’s the stronger man, he’s got the reach advantage, so we’re gonna take advantage of all that.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Klimas: “This bout is very, very important for both men. Of course Anthony wants to get his belts back. I know personally Robert Garcia; he trained a couple of my champions before, so I think Anthony did a good job [hiring him as coach].
“For Oleksandr, it’s important to keep these titles, because it’s very possible that the winner will go for undisputed status.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Hearn: “It feels fantastic [to be here]. We want to thank everybody for their patience.
“It’s been a long time, but these things take time. Thank you to Egis, Alex, and Oleksandr Usyk – and our team as well.
“This is all very nice, this is very friendly, but we’re all here to win. Last September was very painful when the great Oleksandr Usyk dethroned Anthony Joshua.”
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Now here come the fighters! Joshua and Usyk emerge.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk will take to the stage now, along with the champion’s manager Egis Klimas, and Joshua’s new coach Robert Garcia.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 press conference
Hearn: “Very proud [to be here], because the next generation need role models, they need heroes, they need to see the best of the best.
“For that generation to see Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk... and there is no prize bigger than the heavyweight championship, it doesn’t get any bigger.
“So good to see people out, participating in sport, in the sport we love. Our plans at Matchroom involve huge global growth, and to be involved in the growth here is humbling.”
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