Anthony Joshua has warned Oleksandr Usyk that “people don’t respect” his power.
Usyk’s firepower will be tested like never before in just his second fight as a heavyweight against Derek Chisora on Saturday night.
The decorated Ukrainian, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, is the mandatory challenger to Joshua’s WBO belt and expects to receive his title fight in 2021.
Joshua explained to Sky Sports about Usyk’s slick and skilful tactics inside the ring: “When I boxed Andy Ruiz Jr in the second fight I adapted to the Usyk style.
“Hit and don’t get hit, the sweet science of boxing. You learn that from the amateurs.
“I was amateur for two-and-a-half years so was still adapting to different styles. Usyk was amateur for a long time so he has taken the ‘hit and don’t get hit’ style into the pros.
“The good thing that helped me? Sometimes I know to sit down on my feet and hurt someone.
“You’ve got to let them know that you’re there because all that pity-party stuff after 12 rounds?
“Sometimes people don’t respect that type of power.”