Exclusive: Anthony Joshua has the 'beatings' of Oleksandr Usyk in rematch
- Joe Hewlett
- 19 May 2022
The Brit is set to face Oleksandr Usyk on July 23 with Saudi Arabia likely to to stage it.
Johnny Nelson believes Joshua has all the tools to beat the Ukrainian southpaw in their second encounter.
Joshua is bidding to become a three-time heavyweight champion this summer and avenge a second defeat.
The 2012 Olympic champion - who lost on points in London to Usyk - has one other defeat on his record to Andy Ruiz Jr although he beat the 'Mexican Destroyer' in their 2019 rematch.
While Nelson - the former cruiserweight world ruler - appreciates the task at hand, he thinks Joshua can once again hold the WBA, IBF and WBO titles with the right tactics.
"I think it's a hard fight, I think it's a harder rematch for AJ than the Ruiz rematch was. It's not an impossible task or ask, I think AJ has all the beatings of Usyk," Nelson told Planet Sport.
"I've seen Usyk from the early days, seven fights in as a pro and I said this young man is the heir apparent.
"The problem is, once everyone knows who you are and what you can do then they can plot a plan for you. And now with AJ, he just has to change tactics, change style, change intentions on what he wants to do and how he's gonna approach the fight.
"So, I don't know what tactics he'll choose, but what I'm saying is that it's not an impossible task for AJ, but it's a tough one."
AJ and McCracken 'good friends'
One person who won't be in the corner for the fight is Rob McCracken. The trainer had worked with Joshua throughout his amateur and professional career but have parted ways since losing to Usyk in September.
Angel Fernandez will remain in the corner for Joshua and Johnny Nelson insists his split from McCracken would have been amicable.
The Sky pundit added: "I'm assuming Rob and AJ are good friends and AJ's done what's best for him. I'm quite sure he's gone with Rob's blessing.
"I suppose we, the media, make more of a deal out of that parting than it actually is. And so, if it works for AJ, then he's doing what's best for him."
