Lovers of boxing have already enjoyed an action-packed year with many huge bouts across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and further afield. Lovers of the professional game often have at least one fixture of note every weekend, while those with an eye for the amateur code were kept busy with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, this summer. The sport is thriving, and the future looks bright, with a steady stream of future stars falling off the production line. Then there’s the cash and intrigue generated by Jake Paul’s bouts, helping drive millions of new fans to the noble art.
The next fixture of note is a rematch between current world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and former ruler Anthony Joshua. The pair met in London at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – home of English Premier League club Spurs – with the Ukrainian winning on points, collecting all the belts, and inflicting a second defeat in four fights for AJ. But the Englishman has lost his belts before and won them back in style. Will he repeat the feat on Saturday, 20th August, at the Jeddah Superdome, Saudi Arabia?
You can make your predictions on the winner of Usyk v Joshua at any of the leading Vegas sportsbooks simply by creating an account, depositing using your debit card, e-wallet, or crypto account, then placing your bets. The best bookies will even give you a welcome bonus free bet when you complete your registration. Read the terms and conditions attached to any new customer promo before committing and registering your online betting account. It’s worth taking your time and researching a bookie to boost your chances of getting the one that’s best for you.
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Who wins in Saudi Arabia?
Who wins, Usyk or AJ? As is the case when betting on any fight or any sports fixture, the more information you have, the better your chances of landing a profit. That’s where we come in, enlisting the help of a former professional boxer and current sports writer who offers some useful facts on both fighters, the bout, and the betting. By the end of this page, you will have a stronger understanding of the fight and any info that could help you predict the outcome.
Knockout power
It’s anyone’s guess who wins Usyk v Joshua II, but it will be great fun finding out. One thing we know for certain is that both gladiators carry knockout power in both fists, and despite the first bout going the distance and testing the judges – Usyk winning by margins of five, four, and two rounds – this one could end at any time of any round. That unpredictability is what makes heavyweight boxing so interesting.
Joshua has won 24 and lost two, scoring a total of 22 knockouts with only Usyk and former champion Joe Parker taking him to a decision. AJ has been over the 12 rounds championship distance just once since March 2018, with the spare coming last September.
Usyk is no slouch in the power department, despite moving from cruiserweight to heavyweight. The current champion has won all 19 previous outings with 13 KOs.
Tale of the tape
Here we have two giants with incredible power, athleticism, and a desire to win this bout to ensure they leave behind a legacy in the sport. The bout will be won on the small margins, so it pays to know the facts before making your predictions.
Usyk is the older of the two at 35 against AJ, who is 32 years old. Joshua has the edge in size, standing at 6ft 6inches while Usyk is 6ft 3inches. Unsurprisingly, the Englishman also holds a reach advantage over the champion, with Joshua’s 82-inch reach overshadowing the 78 of Usyk. AJ has seven fights more experience, but Usyk has contested more rounds due to Joshua stopping most of his opponents early.
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Bookies’ view
Traders working in Vegas have released their betting odds and are in no doubt about who they think wins this bout. After watching Usyk defeat AJ in London, the current champion is a red-hot betting favourite for more of the same. According to bookies, the most likely outcome here is a points win for Usyk. Do you agree?
