One-time Oleksandr Usyk opponent Tony Bellew says if Anthony Joshua is to beat the Ukrainian in a rematch, then he has to go back to the fighter he used to be.
With a date looking likely for the summer Usyk will defend his three heavyweight titles that he won against the Brit last September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Joshua’s performance on the night puzzled many as he appeared to try and out box one of the most gifted pugilists in the sport.
Bellew, who had his last ever prize-fight against Usyk in 2018, knows better than most how good the pound-for-pound star is.
“If he’s to be successful against Usyk and become heavyweight champion for a third time, Joshua has to look at himself and be the man he was against Dillian Whyte and Klitschko. A fighter with a point to prove,” said Bellew in his regular column for DAZN.
“He must start quick. He has to show Usyk he’s the bigger and stronger man, and when he gets success early, he can gain confidence from it. He can’t just go in and swing his hands because Usyk is too smart, but you can be smart with pressure, and when you have Joshua’s speed and power, believe me, you can get on top against most fighters.
“This is a fight where it could all go wrong for Joshua, but if it goes right for him, then there’s not really much else you can say about him. He’ll be a bigger superstar than he already is.