Mohammed Amin Lamptey (Communications Director, Ghana Boxing Authority) writes:
Undoubtedly,the COVID-19 pandemic took lot of steam out of many sporting activities including boxing.
Since the pandemic clouded major boxing events from happening,the Tottenham Stadium will this Saturday exorcise boxing from the claws of COVID-19.
The big question on the lips of boxing pundits is….Does Oleksandr Usyk(18 fights,18 wins,13kos and no defit) possess the keys to heavyweight success,following the footsteps of Evander Holyfied and David Haye or will Anthony Joshua(25 fights,24wins,22 kos with 1 defeat) let go a possible undisputed mega fight in 2022 against Tyson Fury?
Even before they arrive in the ring on Saturday,the two athletes at a presser met with fist bump and after starring into each other’s eyes during a head to head,they finally parted with an intense handshake to suggest an uncompromising fight.
Anthony Joshua’s IBF,WBA and WBO belts will be at stake at the Tottenham Stadium on Saturday.
This phenomenon has added so much tension and uncertainty to the much awaiting bout.
Usyk believes he’s going to walk through the paths of Evander Holyfied and David Haye to become the third undisputed Cruiserweight world champion to win an heavyweight title.
Many boxing analysts raised issues about size and power but Usyk has this to say….”People talk a lot.They say the truth or they don’t say the truth.It’s all talk” and concluded by saying; “we shall see on Saturday what happens.The power is not about whether someone is big or small.It is in your spirit”
The champion,Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua indicated that: “I wasn’t on the Amateur scene for long enough to know about Oleksandr.But I do a lot of research and really love the Ukrainian style and Ukrainian people”.
Joshua’s trainer,Rob Mccraken re-echoed the readiness of his boxer and said: “Anthony Joshua will fight anybody available,as always done”
Obviously,Anthony Joshua is going into this fight by keeping alive his dream of facing the WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to crown himself the undisputed champion if he comes through his latest fight defense against Usyk.
I am anticipating a crucial fight but undoubtedly believe a winner will emerged before or after the scheduled 12 rounds of boxing.I smell a knockout!!!
Joshua may utilise his longer reach of 82/208cm as against Usyk’s 78/198cm and his height of 6’6″/198cm against Usyk’s 6′ 3″/191cm.It’s though important to state that sometimes these advantages or permutations play no major role in a fight.
Perhaps,Usyk may also use his southpaw stance to neutralize Joshua’s orthodox style.
All said and done,I will not be surprised if Joshua wins and equally will not be shocked if Usyk wins.
This bout is unpredictable because an undisputed and undefeated Cruiserweight champion is fighting against a potential undisputed heavyweight champion.Your guess is as good as mine..
Remember,the sweet science(Boxing)will takeover the Tottenham Stadium on Saturday night.
I love boxing because it’s meant for self defense.
Credit: Mohammed Amin Lamptey
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