On Saturday, September 25, 2021, heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk are gearing up for a fiery first bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Englishman hopeful of winning and moving on to a showdown with Tyson Fury.
It had been announced that Joshua would fight Fury for the undisputed heavyweight world title in the summer but the Gypsy King was ordered to take on Deontay Wilder, while the WBO told Joshua he must face the mandatory challenger Usyk.
The Ukrainian, known as The Cat, is unbeaten in his 18 professional bouts to date and saw off Derek Chisora last October.
He will be a tough test for Joshua, who nevertheless looks likely to hand him his first defeat.
This match-up will be an interesting one, and explosive one, with the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles placed on the line, it’ll be better not to blink.
Boxing Preview – Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk – Betting Odds & Free Pick – Info
When: Saturday, September 25, at 5:00 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Anthony Joshua -270 / Oleksandr Usyk +220
Draw Offs: –
Where Can I Watch? DAZN
Why Bet on Anthony Joshua
Joshua outperformed Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev last December and will now be looking to do the same in September at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Usyk.
Joshua has won 24 and lost one of his 25 bouts.
Usyk is unbeaten in 18 fights although he has yet to face anyone with the stature of Joshua.
Against Pulev, a comfortable-looking Joshua was a deserving victor with a knock-out (KO) in the ninth round.
The 31-year-old is 14/1 to win against Usyk in the ninth round and is 5/6 to win by a KO, technical knock-out (TKO), or disqualification – something he has achieved in 22 out of 24 fights.
Why Bet on Oleksandr Usyk
The title challenger, Usyk cannot be underestimated in this match.
A former world cruiserweight champion, most notably he knocked out Tony Bellew in spectacular fashion before stepping up to the highest weight class in boxing.
The Ukrainian is dangerous at any moment, especially after Joshua’s mishap against Andy Ruiz in June 2019.
With the possible match to unify the belts against Tyson Fury, for the winner of this match, Usyk should be aiming to get his chance at conquering every belt at once.
Final Betting Analysis: Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk
For those unfamiliar with Usyk, perhaps a more familiar name is former No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer Vasyl Lomachenko.
Lomachencko’s father, Anatoly Lomachenko, trained both men.
Of course, the thing that pops out for both is extreme fight IQ, elusive footwork, and great counterpunching.
The knock on the southpaw coming up from cruiserweight – this is just his third heavyweight bout – is the lack of knockout power.
Over his last nine bouts, including seven at cruiserweight, he scored four knockouts, which may seem impressive but not at heavyweight.
While he may lack pressure, his conditioning, speed, and output in that division are a real X factor.
While the ability to stick and move is important in some fights, the fact is that AJ has the height advantage, reach, and likely weight as well when they tip the scales.
If he were to bully Usyk and close the distance, it’ll take away the Cat’s room to work and counter.
We take Joshua as our betting pick in this match, but it is likely to end in the last rounds, as Usyk is a dangerous opponent to be allowed to reach the judges’ decision and he knows it.
EN 
ES 
PT 
PT_BR