Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has predicted who would have prevailed in a fantasy fight between prime Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua.
‘Iron’ Mike is regarded as one of the most ferocious heavyweights in boxing history. Holding the undisputed heavyweight champion between 1987 and 1990, Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion ever in 1986 when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round of their bout. The thunderous power of the 58-year-old was undeniable, knocking out 44 of the 50 fighters he defeated during his career.
Joshua has won the world heavyweight championship on two occasions, defeating the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin since his professional debut in 2013. The 35-year-old from Watford is coming off a devastating knockout defeat to newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, but is planning on returning to the ring in 2025 as he sets his sights on finally becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.
In a round of ‘Winner Stays On’ with MailSport Boxing, the Ukrainian superstar was asked to choose who he feels would have won in a showdown between ‘AJ’ and Tyson.
“Anthony Joshua.”
Usyk dethroned Joshua of his unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles in September 2021. The pair clashed for the second time just under one year later in Riyadh, as the Ukrainian successfully retained his heavyweight crown in a slightly closer contest, picking up a split decision victory over the Brit.
‘AJ’ has recently confirmed he will be returning to the ring this year, with an opponent yet to be confirmed. The 35-year-old was linked with an all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, which now looks unlikely to happen after ‘The Gypsy King’ announced his retirement from boxing earlier this month.
Deontay Wilder has emerged as a potential opponent for the Olympic Gold medalist, with both fighters looking to bounce back from their recent defeats and get their respective careers back on track.
