sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Anthony Joshua Responds To Being Ordered To Fight Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua Responds To Being Ordered To Fight Oleksandr Usyk

Joshua has already been given a mandatory defence of his heavyweight world titles.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Anthony Joshua relishes the challenge of taking on WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk in his next fight.

Joshua beat Andy Ruiz Jr by unanimous decision to reclaim the WBA (super), IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles in Saudi Arabia.

Image: PA
Image: PA

And the British superstar has already been given a mandatory defence of his belts after the WBO ordered him to face Usyk within 180 days.

When asked about fighting the undefeated Ukrainian, Joshua said: "In 180 days? let's rock 'n roll then! No problem."

Usyk became WBO mandatory challenger after beating Chazz Witherspoon in October on his heavyweight debut.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Meanwhile, speaking after the fight, Joshua also said: "I know that my fans like to see me knock people out and I can do that but sometimes with certain fighters you have to box smarter. I understand what Andy brought to the table so I had to decapitate him in a different way.

"I can box, I can really box but I like to fight. I'm a warrior at heart. When you are used to knocking a man out, sometimes it may happen to you. I knew I would correct my wrongs. I'm a man who learns from his mistakes."

Joshua added: "Man, the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice! A man like me makes no excuses. This is about boxing. I'm used to knocking guys out. I got caught last time, no excuses, I gave him the credit. I respect Andy and his trainer so much. I wanted to show the sweet science of this lovely sport."

Joshua's now a two-time heavyweight world champion after defeating Ruiz Jr.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Boxing News, Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Heavyweight, Fight News