Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk press conference LIVE: Heavyweights meet ahead of Saturday’s fight
The Briton and the Ukrainian came face-to-face ahead of Friday’s weigh-in
Thursday saw the final press conference ahead of Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk’s clash for the unified world heavyweight titles.
The mouthwatering dust-up, which will be for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles, is set to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. It promises to be a thrilling night in London and, just over 48 hours away from the bout, champion Joshua and the undefeated Ukrainian came face-to-face for the first time since the contest was made.
Neither man is notorious for trash talking their opponents, and both remained largely composed and respectful on Thursday. Joshua came out with the comments most resembling fighting talk, however, saying, “You guys will be coming out to watch me hit a live bodybag,” and “if you told me I was fighting King Kong, I’d give it a go.”
Many are calling Usyk too small to deal with a heavyweight the size of Joshua. Others are saying the former undisputed cruiserweight champion possesses the boxing skill and nimbleness needed to frustrate the Briton and cause a seismic upset.
The real build-up started on Thursday as we got a good look at both fighters. Re-live updates from the press conference ahead of Friday’s weigh-in:
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Two of the very best in the heavyweight division meet on Saturday night.
Both won Olympic gold in London nine years ago. Now they meet in the professionals in front of more than 60,000 fans in the very same city.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Sizing each other up? Usyk and Joshua exchanged a little handshake and a few moments together before separating and walking their separate ways.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Quaking in your boots, Eddie? Hearn signed a career-long extension with Anthony Joshua earlier this week.
But the promoter’s world could come crashing down if his golden boy is beaten by Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
This is a huge fight for lots of different people. And that’s what makes it a thrilling occasion.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Here it is! The two men meet face-to-face for the first time ahead of their huge heavyweight clash this weekend.
We are almost 48 hours away from that first bell!
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Not a great deal said between the two men. Calm and respectful as they both tend to be before every fight.
That being said, we are about to see a head-to-head. The first the pair have ever done together.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Good luck, Anthony. This man is built different.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Joshua really does sound more driven than ever. He is simply calling this ‘another day in training camp’.
Think someone should tell him there are just two days to go.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
Usyk keen to make history. A man who knows what he wants. There’s no trash talking here, simply two respectful individuals who are fully focussed on winning.
Joshua-Usyk press conference
“You can do a lot more.” Safe to say Oleksandr Usyk does not look nervous.
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