Andrew Wilsher
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British boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to the ring to battle Ukrainian challenger Oleksandr Usyk with his IBF, WBA and WBO titles on the line on Saturday.
Joshua had originally planned to fight fellow Brit Tyson Fury, but plans for that match fell through and Joshua was posed with the decision of defending his WBO belt or vacating it to pursue other options — he decided to defend the title, and that has led to this fight in London.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk fight prediction
Oleksandr Usyk to win (+225)
Joshua has been a worthy heavyweight champion until now. He has been in the ring with esteemed fighters such as Alexander Povetkin and Wladimir Klitschko, and has more than proved his ability at this weight.
However, he isn’t perfect and both Klitschko and Andy Ruiz (his only defeat) have exposed his weaknesses. Klitschko’s vicious punching ability rocked the British boxer while Ruiz proved that his sheer volume could be used effectively when he bested Joshua in 2019.
The only real form Usyk has at this weight is his win over Dereck Chisora, and although that opponent is a worthy competitor, Joshua is in a different league. Still, the Cat is a former undisputed cruiserweight champion and was a superb amateur fighter.
Joshua does boast a size advantage over Usyk and could also have the power edge, but the Ukrainian’s skills and movement could mean that he isn’t hit too often. Usyk may be underestimated by sportsbooks and given his quality and potential, he is worth a small wager at +225 with FanDuel Sportsbook to come out on top.
Make sure you also check out our picks and predictions for UFC 266 on Saturday night
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