Via Jack Tiernan: Anthony Joshua has revealed that he is open to a temporary war while he waits for Oleksandr Usyk to finish defending Ukraine. Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) said he agreed to take on Joe Joyce, Joseph Parkeror “anyone.”
Joshua seemed elated when Joyce’s name was mentioned as an option for his interim fight. However, undefeated Joyce is gearing up for a title fight against WBO champion Usyk, so he may not be ready to give up the chance unless AJs promoter Eddie Hearn offers him plenty. flour.
Hearn still believes it is possible that Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) will return from the fight in Ukraine to defend the IBF, WBA & WBO heavyweight titles against Joshua in a rematch.
If the fighting in Kyiv, Ukraine is the street, hopefully Usyk will make it through unhurt or KIA. War is war.
It’s risky to be on the front lines, and it makes no sense for Joshua and his promoter Hearn to assume Usyk will be back in June to defend his three titles.
Joshua could not wait any longer for the possibility of Usyk returning from the Russian front. It’s impractical and Joshua needs to stay active if he wants to sharpen his skills.
If Joshua REALLY wanted to impress boxing fans with his provisional bout, he would order Hearn to go sign. Deontay Wilder for work. Everyone will be flocking to a Joshua vs. Wilder right now, and it will sell regardless of whether there are any titles on the net.
AJ: “I have to get better”
“I love fighting with good fighters, they challenge me. He is a good challenger,” Joshua told Behind the gloves about his fight with Usyk. “I have to become better in other parts. I have to do better things to win it.
“He was a good fighter,” Joshua said of Usyk. “I will respect him and give Andy [Ruiz] his respect. I respect myself enough to push myself and go back to work and go back and fight harder.
“Anyway, I’ll smoke him,” Joshua said when informed that Joseph Parker had volunteered to be his temporary rival. “Listen, I’m going to fight Joseph Parker.
“I will fight anyone and whenever. It was just a war. I will fight 100%,” Joshua said he is open to a temporary fight while waiting for the rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
A rematch between Joshua and Parker probably won’t be well received by boxing fans, given how one-sided their 2018 fight was. Fans will obviously be happy to see Joshua up against anyone at this point, but he could do better than Parker.
Joshua wants Joe Joyce temporarily
“For me personally, I have to stay active,” Joshua told iFL TV of the importance of getting into an interim match. “Staying active is the best thing. An inactive fish is not a pawn. I would love to continue working.
“Yes, it was a 100% good fight,Joshua said when asked if he wanted to face Joe Joyce.
Big 6’6 ″ Joyce would be a great pick for Joshua if he can’t get Deontay Wilder into teamfights.
