Boxing
Joshua faces Usyk with the intention of reclaiming the WBA, IBF and WBO titles the Ukrainian took from him via a unanimous points decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 11 months ago. Joshua was comprehensively beaten by an opponent of great skill and resilience in what was only his third fight at heavyweight following an era of dominance at cruiserweight, and few are predicting a different outcome this weekend.
Some within the sport, including the former world champions Carl Froch and Kell Brook, have suggested defeat is not only likely for Joshua but would leave him with few options in a professional career launched on the back of his gold medal at the London Olympics almost exactly 10 years ago.
The much-discussed all-British affair with Tyson Fury would almost certainly remain beyond reach, partly because Fury is again in a period of retirement. Were Fury to make a comeback he would likely face Usyk in what would be a mouthwatering unification battle.
This story is from the August 19, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the August 19, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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