Boxing – Usyk vs Joshua Odds: The World Is at Stake
Usyk and Joshua, Fighting for Much More than Titles
When Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua rematch in Jeddah, it will be more than the title. Their personal worlds are at stake here as Usyk carries the weight of his besieged nation of Ukraine while Joshua must win to preserve his legacy as a big-time boxer. The Usyk vs Joshua odds peg Usyk as the winner but Saudi Arabia is also where Joshua avenged his first big loss.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 Fight Info
- Fighters: Oleksandr Usyk (19-0-0, 13 KOs) vs Anthony Joshua (24-2-0, 22 KOs)
- Location: Jeddah Superdome
- Day/Time:
- Broadcast: DAZN
Usyk Carries the Weight of a Nation
The question in most people’s minds is if Usyk is fully into his upcoming match with Joshua. Defending all of his heavyweight belts is his livelihood. But defending his home country is his life. However, Usyk got the blessing of both Vitali Klitschko (now the Mayor of Kyiv) and his brother Wladimir.
Usyk took up arms alongside fellow Ukrainian star Vasiliy Lomachenko to defend their home against Russia. The champ even surmised he may not box in the near future given the grave situation.
“I really don’t know when I’m going to be stepping back in the ring,” Usyk told CNN in a video interview.
My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt.”
However, Usyk committed himself to defending his titles around March this year; and instead of being distracted by the war, Usyk claims to be inspired by the men and women who defend the nation.
“I’m in touch with many guys from the frontline, “Usyk told The Mirror through his translator. “I receive voice and video messages from them with words of support and they tell me they are praying for me and for my victory. This motivates me greatly.”
The Usyk vs Joshua odds favors him rightfully as he would not have gone back to boxing unless he felt it in his heart. Now folks betting on boxing can be assured he is walking into the ring and fighting for something greater than championships.
Joshua’s Legacy On the Line
As for Joshua, he is fighting to keep his legacy intact. We could have said the same thing when he rematched Andy Ruiz, Jr. It’s a bit of a deja vu and we know how that turned out. But should Joshua lose to Usyk, he’ll get taken down a peg and any hopes of a Tyson Fury “super fight” go out the window. The talk of retirement was even hinted at by boxer-turned-analyst Johnny Nelson regarding Joshua.
“I think that he’s kind of saying that it’s a big night and it’s important,” Joshua told The Mirror in regards to Nelson’s comments. “He’s just showing the magnitude of the fight, that’s what he’s trying to say – that it’s a must-win because I don’t want to walk away.”
Maybe it’s to promote the fight, but Joshua remains heavyweight boxing’s biggest star with Fury on the sidelines. The “Gypsy King” retired a few weeks ago but teased he could come back should Joshua handle business against Usyk. For Joshua, beating Usyk is just a step as he wants that showdown with Fury.
“Unless he’s 100 percent retired, you’ve got to beat Fury as well,” Joshua told Sky Sports. “This isn’t about Fury, with all due respect. That’s just my view on that. As it stands you’re just a winner, you’re a winner at the end of the day. There’s always another challenge out there. Until you retire you’re always going to be challenged to prove you’re the best in the world.”
Joshua recaptured the titles from Ruiz in emphatic fashion and then knocked out Kubrat Pulev. He lost to Usyk in an upset. But unlike Ruiz, Joshua is now the underdog. If Joshua can prove the Usyk vs Joshua odds wrong, it would further add to his legacy.
As a boxer that aims to keep getting better, it’s worth siding with Joshua if you bet on boxing fights online. He’s sought out new trainers and rethought his process. At 32, Joshua is relatively young for the division. Expect a different “AJ” just like the last time he was in the Middle East.
