Boxing royalty, Roberto Duran, has given his thoughts on the Usyk-Joshua rematch this weekend.
In an interview with Boxing Social’s Ayman Khan, the Panamanian Hall of Famer discussed a myriad of topics, among them the attitude he believes British heavyweight Anthony Joshua must possess if he is to defeat unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Duran fought an incredible 119 professional contests, winning 103 including with 70 by knockout, losing only 16 and winning titles in four different weight classes over five decades.
Through a translator, Duran said:
“Joshua needs to have the attitude [of] you beat me, you took my belts, I’m going to go after you from the opening bell and I’m going to be looking for the knockout.
That’s what Joshua’s strategy and mentality should be for this fight. Just to go forward, be aggressive, and attack.”
‘Mano de Piedra’, who is considered by many one of greatest to ever lace up the gloves, also stated his belief that AJ needs to be the boss in the ring and take back what was his:
“Joshua needs to show that he’s not afraid of Usyk and that he wants that title and he’s come to reclaim what is his.”
Duran’s echo what many believe to be Joshua’s best chance of winning. Observers of the first fight were bemused by the Brit’s tactics of trying to out box the master boxer.
Most within boxing believe that linking up with new trainer Robert Garcia will see AJ adopt a more aggressive approach in the rematch and go for the stoppage win.
Duran spoke at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the site of the rematch between Usyk and Joshua. Fights fans will soon learn if this is indeed the approach Joshua will take as he takes on Usyk on August 20.
Read Boxing Social’s top 10 Usyk-Joshua 2 fight predictions now.