Amir Khan has confirmed reports that Oleksandr Usyk put on 15kg ahead of his rematch with Anthony Joshua.
On August 20, the pair locked horns for the second time, live on talkSPORT, with Joshua looking to reclaim the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles that Usyk won from him.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Usyk sent the box and nearly knocked Joshua out in their first fight
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And Joshua is determined to get revenge on August 20.
The Ukrainian gave the Briton a boxing lesson in London, outmaneuvering his opponent to claim a convincing victory on points in September 2021.
Many believe Joshua’s attempts to dispatch Usyk were shortsighted and many predict the 32-year-old will go to hell for leather this time around, with Usyk fighting like a heavyweight on just three occasions.
Usyk is preparing for an assault on Joshua in Saudi Arabia with recent footage of him showing him cut with a much bigger physique.
It was reported that he put on an extra 15kg for the fight and Khan, who joined Usyk in his training camp in Dubai, said the reports were true.
“I didn’t know he was a fan of mine,” Khan told talkSPORT. “It’s kind of surreal when the heavyweight champion of the world tells you that.
“He told me he’s been following me for a long, long time and I was like ‘really?!’ I’m a lightweight for him.
Instagram: @amirkingkhan
Khan visited Usyk at his gym in Dubai and got a glimpse of the champion’s tough task
On reports that he put on 15kg, Khan added, “Yeah, that’s what he told me. He looked in great shape, he is much bigger, much thicker.
“You know how some people put on weight and look a little flabby, but he was solid. He looked strong and was gaining weight well.
“He says he gained 15 kilos since the last fight. Will that slow him down? I do not think so. I’ve seen him box in the shadows, I’ve seen him on the pads, he looked really fast and has great footwork.
“He’s a technician, his boxing IQ is the best I think…and his accuracy is what wins him fights.”
It’s gonna be a fight in Jeddah
Khan also advised Joshua, who has 22 knockout wins in his 26 professional fights, to do what he does best.
“What AJ needs to do is just jump on him early,” Khan said. “AJ has that puncher’s luck too.
“When it comes to boxing him; AJ is a good boxer, he is an Olympic champion, but Usyk is a superior boxer.
“You can’t really beat him in terms of tactics, technique or boxing… AJ will be making a mistake if he tries to box him again.”
Usyk vs. Joshua 2 on talkSPORT
