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Topics: Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing
Deontay Wilder has made a bold prediction for the blockbuster world heavyweight championship bout between Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua.
Usyk and Joshua run it back in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday following their huge showdown last year.
The Ukrainian star dethroned 'AJ' of the world heavyweight titles as he out-pointed his opponent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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And former WBC title holder Wilder has backed Usyk to 'easily' beat Joshua to defend his crown.
Speaking on the PBC Podcast via Boxing Scene, he said: "My honest opinion is that it depends on [Usyk and Joshua]. A lot of time has passed.
"A lot of time has been given to strategizing for the second time around. It's all going to be up to those guys.
"My heart says Usyk - easily. He’s got the momentum now, and how he was able to do it the last time around. But this is boxing, and you never know how it’s going to pan out.
"I wish them the best of luck and hope they get out of the ring just like they came in - safe and sound."
This will be Joshua's second rematch having fought Andy Ruiz Jr on two occasions.
He successfully regained the world titles after suffering a shock defeat in his US debut back in June 2019.
As for Usyk, he'll experience a rematch for the time in his professional career when he meets Joshua again.
Wilder, meanwhile, returns to action on October 15 following his crushing defeat to Tyson Fury.
He takes on heavyweight veteran Robert Helenius in Brooklyn.
A big win over Helenius could put him back in contention for a shot at the world heavyweight titles.