If You KO Again Against Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua Is Predicted To Implement Early Pension
JAKARTA - Former two-division world champion from England, David Haye, believes compatriot Anthony Joshua, could have retired if he lost the rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
Anthony Joshua and Usyk are scheduled to re-fight on August 20 in Saudi Arabia. Joshua underwent the duel to win WBA heavyweight titles (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO.
"If he doesn't win, I'm not sure he wants to be in a sport where he knows he's not the best," Haye said.
The two boxers previously met at Tottenham Stadium, England, on September 25 last year. At that time, Usyk won in 12 rounds against the British boxer.
This result marks the second defeat in Joshua's career after he was previously defeated in your hands Ruiz Jr in 2019. The victory made Usyk bring home the heavyweight titles of IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO.
To that end, their second meeting next month will be an opportunity for Anthony Joshua to avenge his defeat. Haye also hopes that Joshua can make adjustments and perform better than the first meeting.
"He was beaten by someone he knew he could beat and if he did everything right and Usyk still beat him, I don't know if there's anything else he can do in this sport," Haye said.
"He is a winner so I don't know what he will do next. If he loses again. He believes he has all the physical ability to beat Usyk, neither do I. For that, with the right plan he can get a win," Haye added.
Joshua is currently making preparations with veteran coach Robert Garcia. Garcia was recruited by the 32-year-old boxer he separated from longtime coach Robert McCracken.
"I don't think his performance this time could be worse than in the first fight. In terms of tactics and game plans, it's the worst (first fight). So I'm sure Robert Garcia won't do it again," Haye said.
"In the first fight, whoever says anything and whoever makes the plan irrelevant, he just has to win this fight to get back to the top of the world."