Johnny Nelson compares ‘serious’ Anthony Joshua to Muhammad Ali before Oleksandr Usyk rematch
- Lewis Oldham
- 21 July 2022
Johnny Nelson thinks it's a "good sign" that Anthony Joshua has already travelled out to Saudi Arabia ahead of his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 is still four weeks away, but the former two-time world champion has now based himself in Saudi Arabia in the weeks leading up to fight night.
The Ukrainian meanwhile has spent the past few weeks training in Abu Dhabi.
Ex-cruiserweight world champion Nelson has praised Joshua for deciding to travel out early. He has compared this decision to what Muhammad Ali did before the 'Rumble in the Jungle' against George Foreman back in 1974:
"It's a good sign," Nelson told Sky Sports. "He wants to acclimatise, get used to the heat, get used to his environment, make it second nature, a second home for himself out there, which is a good sign.
"I remember when Ali did it when he was fighting George Foreman in the jungle, he was there for longer than he expected to be. I think, this one here, AJ has gone out there thinking he's got to do it right. I'm sure he's taken his team out, his sparring partners out there.
"It's the best thing to do, just to get used to the heat. He's got to do everything in his favour, and I like the thinking behind it. We can read into so many things, but it shows serious intentions, he's out there on business, which is a must."
Joshua was beaten for the second time in the pro ranks last September at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk outclassed and outbattled AJ to become the new heavyweight champion of the world.
The Brit has made a few changes ahead of the rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on August 20. He has parted ways with long-term trainer Robert McCracken and he is now working with Robert Garcia.
He is Mikey Garcia's older brother and he has previously worked with the likes of Nonitio Donaire and Victor Ortiz.
