Ukrainian challenger Oleksandr Usyk has dismissed concerns that he doesn't possess the size and strength to take out world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, saying that the "power is in your spirit".
Brit Joshua will put his IBF, WBA and WBO belts on the line on Sunday (NZ time) against the undefeated Usyk, a former cruiserweight, who is 18-0 in his professional career.
"People talk a lot," says Usyk - the 2016 heavyweight Olympic gold medallist.
"We'll see on Saturday what happens, because the power is in your spirit, it's not about being big or small."
While new to the heavyweight division, Usyk tore through the cruiserweight class after turning pro eight years ago, becoming one of boxing's rare unified champions in 2018 by winning all four belts in the category.
"David Haye was three times smaller than Nikolai Valuev which shows that it doesn't matter."
The 34-year-old expects the bout will play out like a chess match in the early rounds, while Joshua believes the fight will be special with two former Olympic champions doing battle.
"I'm grateful that this is happening," says the 31-year-old.
"People will remember this fight for a long time."
Joshua, who last fought in December 2020 when he knocked out Bulgarian challenger Kubrat Pulev, was slated to take on compatriot Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia this year, but the fight was cancelled after an American arbitrator ordered Fury to take on Deontay Wilder in a third bout for the WBC title.
That bout will take place next month, and while Joshua admits he has an eye on the outcome - his focus is on dispatching Usyk.
"Happy to be back again, you have to want to train and put the work in and improve and practice - I'm not an easy fight for anyone, I like fighting. God has blessed me, shown me the path to get into boxing.
"This fight gives me the motivation to practice. I want to give more and more each day. I'm still in camp now, this is just another day in camp - if you tell me I was fighting King Kong I would give it a go.
"This is my job."
Usyk is arguably the most decorated amateur boxer in the division with multiple world titles to accommodate his Rio 2016 triumph, and seamlessly transitioned to the pro ranks.
Joshua says he always knew he would cross paths with the charismatic Ukrainian.
"[Usyk] was fighting 10 or 12 years as an amateur before he went to the Olympics, and the worlds, so he is probably happy to be in this position - the cream always rises to the top."
Join Newshub for live updates of Joshua v Usyk from 6am Sunday
Reuters / Newshub
