Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2: Ukrainian begins brilliant mind games with stance switch

After Anthony Joshua’s dig towards Oleksandr Usyk’s stance, the heavyweight champion couldn’t help but to play up to the cameras during his open workout.

There’s just one day left until Usyk and Joshua meet again in the ring. It’s been 11 months since their last clash, when the Ukrainian put on a masterful performance to produce a huge upset and claim the Brit’s four heavyweight titles.

Joshua was unable to handle Usyk’s quick movement and impressive footwork at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September, and he’s since changed up his coach for the rematch.

As a result, it seems the 32-year-old has bulked up and added power to his build as he looks to secure a knockout victory and reclaim his belts once again in Saudi Arabia.

Much of Joshua’s difficulties in the first fight came through Usyk’s stance. As a left-handed fighter, he adopts a southpaw stance – something Joshua struggled to cope with.

“Fighting a leftie is a nightmare and he is a good one as well,” admitted Joshua.

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Date, Card, UK Start Time, Ring Walks, Tickets, Live Stream, Odds and More

“He is good, but if he was an orthodox fighter I’d have smoked him, 100 percent. But with this leftie nonsense it’s just different, they set you up differently. If you are a good leftie you have a good chance of making it in boxing, I reckon.”

However, after firing criticism in the direction of Usyk’s stance, the 35-year-old Ukrainian decided to play up to the cameras during his open workout – where he boxed in an orthodox stance.

Usyk showed off his versatility, shadow boxing in an identical stance to Joshua’s. It’s unlikely we’ll see it at all on fight night, but it’s a brilliant bit of mind games from the 35-year-old.

Oleksandr Usyk