Skip to content

Usyk vs Bellew: Anthony Joshua says Oleksandr Usyk is 'perfect' but Tony Bellew still has a chance

Joshua also believes Bellew's "dirty left-hook" could knock the Ukrainian out

Anthony Joshua during the pre-fight press conference on September 20, 2018
Image: Anthony Joshua says Oleksandr Usyk should be the favourite against Tony Bellew

Anthony Joshua sees Oleksandr Usyk as the "perfect boxer" but believes Tony Bellew's "dirty left hook" will give him a chance of upsetting the odds.

Click here to book Usyk vs Bellew
Watch Usyk vs Bellew online here

Joshua will be rooting for his compatriot Bellew on Saturday night, when the Englishman fights for the undisputed cruiserweight world title at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Oleksandr Usyk
Image: Usyk is unbeaten and undisputed cruiserweight world champion

The heavyweight star admits Usyk should be the bookmakers' favourite but is refusing to rule out fans' favourite Bellew.

"From a supporter's perspective it's always going to be entertaining because I really like rooting for Bellew," he told Sky Sports.

"I really want him to win, so my passion is with him, regardless. Then, from an entertaining point of view, Usyk is like a perfect boxer, so I hope Bellew is working on his counter-punches as well, because that's the way to knock him out - let him tippy-tap and then explode.

"As we've seen Bellew can counter-punch and he's got a dirty left hook, and if he can land that I think he'll do well."

Also See:

 during Heavyweight fight between Tony Bellew and David Haye at The O2 Arena on May 5, 2018 in London, England.
Image: Bellew has a "dirty left hook" he can rely on, says Joshua

"If I am honest, Usyk is the favourite, straight-talking, because he's unbeaten and he's done it at cruiserweight and he's undisputed.

"But, the thing with boxing, from like middleweight up, it takes one punch. One punch can change the course of a fight and, as I was saying, Bellew's got that in the locker.

"We all know he's got that as well, so that's what makes it so interesting."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch Chasing Greatness On Demand, Sky Sports Boxing YouTube and on Sky Sports Main Event, 10.30pm, Wednesday.

Watch Usyk vs Bellew for the undisputed cruiserweight title, at Manchester Arena, on November 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 6pm. Book it online here.

Even if you aren't a Sky TV subscriber you can book and watch it at skysports.com/boxofficelive.

Tale Of The Tape - Usyk vs Bellew
Image: Tale Of The Tape - Usyk vs Bellew