Usyk challenge: Be ready for rough ride,Nelson warns Joshua
Nigeria-British pugilist Anthony Joshua has been told not to expect a tea party when he faces Oleksandr Usyk next month September 25 in Tottenham
Former WBO cruiserweight king Johnny Nelson gave the warning describing the forth coming bout as a ‘rough ride’
Joshua makes his return against former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25, with his unified heavyweight belts on the line.
And Nelson believes that the home favourite is in for a gruelling encounter against his opponent, who is bidding to become a two-weight world champion.
He has, however, also predicted Joshua to come out on top, labelling him ‘too big’ and ‘far too aggressive’ for Usyk to handle.
‘I’ve always been a massive fan of Anthony Joshua, it’s never been hidden,’ Nelson said, speaking to Sky Sports.
‘I’m a fan of Oleksandr Usyk because at cruiserweight I said, “This guy is the heir apparent. I could see him stepping up to heavyweight and making a massive impression like Evander Holyfield back in the day.”
‘[But he’s a] different style of fighter. But then I saw his introduction to the heavyweight division and I was underwhelmed.
‘And he’s a good fighter, excellent pedigree.
‘Better pedigree than Anthony Joshua as an amateur at least. I think Anthony Joshua will be far too big, far too strong, far too sharp and far too aggressive.
‘And Usyk’s got to depend on his unorthodox style to try and befuddle Anthony Joshua to get through that fight.
‘It’s not an easy fight. So if anybody tries to say this is a done deal, this is not a done deal. This is a tough fight for Anthony Joshua.
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‘So Anthony Joshua needs to make sure he has his white about him, does not underestimate this guy just because he’s a small opponent.
‘But he needs to stamp his authority as a big strong, fast, athletic heavyweight champion. In doing that, I expect him to get the win. But it’s going to be a rough ride.’