Joshua vs Usyk: Predictions from Andy Lee, Johnny Nelson, Spencer Oliver and more
- Planet Sport writer
- 24 September 2021
Both fighters won gold at the 2012 Olympics and square off on the weekend with three of the four heavyweight titles on the line.
Despite victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin and Andy Ruiz Jr in their 2019 rematch, Usyk is being regarded as his toughest test to date.
Planet Sport Bet has Joshua as the favourite heading into Saturday night but in the heavyweight division, one punch can change everything. If you're undecided as to who you're backing, we've got some predictions ahead of fight night to confuse you even more.
Mark Tibbs: I'm looking forward to a very, very competitive fight. I can't pick a winner. I'll have to look and weigh up body language and get into the build-up before I make my mind up but Usyk's a very very special boxer and that's something he is born with.
Andy Lee: They always say a good big man beats a good small man but Usyk has a bit of the X-Factor, he's got the amateur pedigree but I think Joshua is still improving and too big.
Sam Jones: I think Joshua is going to be too big and too strong for him. The longer the fight goes, it's more in Usyk's favour but I think Joshua will land a shot and it'll be the end of the fight. It's not a foregone conclusion that Joshua wins.
Spencer Oliver: I'm going for Joshua to win inside six. The reason I say that is because it's a fight of two halves. I just think Usyk starts slow and gets caught a lot.
Johnny Nelson: So most good cruiserweights can beat good heavyweights until you get into the top tier because the top-tier heavyweights are big, strong, tall, aggressive. But usually, a cruiserweight can get in there and be fast enough to get in and out. You have the power at cruiserweight to stop a heavyweight in his tracks. I'm going Joshua on a tight points win.
Anthony Fowler: Anthony Joshua points in a close-fought fight.
Joe Hewlett: I expect the opening couple of rounds to be cagey. If Joshua plays Usyk at his own game then it could be a long night for him. That being said, I can't see Usyk stopping him and with AJ being the bigger man, and the home fighter in front of 67,000 fans, I fancy him to do just enough and win on points.
Mark Smith: Usyk is a real puzzle for AJ. If he doesn't land hard early on this could be a very frustrating night for him. I'm going to be brave and go for an Usyk win on points and hope that now I've said that AJ blasts him out inside five.
Simon Wilkes: Joshua is facing one of the toughest tests of his career in this fight - but it's one I'm backing him to pass, albeit after digging deep to get the job done.
