Who’s next for AJ, Usyk or Pulev?
While preparing for each of his bouts with Andy Ruiz Jr, Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21 KO’s) reveled in focusing on only one opponent. The UK superstar said on a number of occasions that he was tired of talking about WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-0-1, 41 KO’s), unification and undisputed. Instead, Joshua just wanted to concern himself with the man in front of him.
UNDISPUTED WILL HAVE TO WAIT
AJ was so adamant about the point that he declared even after his rematch with Ruiz he still would not entertain talks about Wilder. Unfortunately, for him, the fans nor the media are willing to accept that. Before Joshua could leave the arena in Saudi Arabia, he was being questioned about when he would square-up with Wilder. Yet again however, AJ has a bit of business to handle before he can focus on the Bronze Bomber.
Well before Ruiz and Joshua slid through the ropes to stage their rematch, the sanctioning bodies were hard at work. The fruit of this labor resulted in a mandatory title shots for Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (28-1, 14 KO’s) and Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KO’s) within 180 days of Joshua reclaiming his titles. Pulev is backed by the IBF, while Usyk is bolstered in this matter by the WBO.
Anthony Joshua has shown no aversion to tangling with either man. Rather than showing reluctance, AJ has indicated that he is eager to get back in camp, then the ring to satisfy these obligations. The question now is: who’s first?
AJ THE SNAKE CHARMER?
The likely leading candidate is the Bulgarian boxer Kubrat Pulev. To his credit, Pulev only has one loss to Wladimir Klitschko marring his professional ledger. Aside from that November 2015 defeat, the Cobra has enjoyed an otherwise unblemished career.
Pulev has had a rather humdrum 2019, picking up a pair of less than stellar wins. The Cobra beat Rydell “Rock n’Rye” Booker (26-3, 13 KO’s) by unanimous decision in November, and Bogdan Dinu (18-2, 14 KO’s) by seventh round knockout in March.
In 2018, Pulev fought a single fight against Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KO’s), cousin of Tyson Fury. Although he won on all scorecards, the Cobra certainly had his trouble with the much taller and longer opponent. Anthony Joshua is the same height as Hughie Fury and has two more inches in reach. Not only that, AJ appears to be a far more dynamic fighter than Fury, who certainly packs more punch.
It’s due to these perceived advantages that Pulev will probably get the first crack at the only unified heavyweight champion.
THE USYK OPTION
While there are those who believe that Pulev will get the first call to action, there is no guaranteeing that it happens that way. There is the very real possibility that Team Joshua elect to face the former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
In 2018, the talented Ukrainian pugilist enjoyed smashing success. First he won the WBSS cruiserweight tournament, unified the cruiserweight division and knocked out UK darling Tony Bellow in stunning fashion. Barreling into 2019, Usyk was on top of the world. Having conquered the cruiserweight division, Uysk had his crazy eyes set on the heavyweights.
Almost a full year after this bout with Bellow, Usyk made his heavyweight debut against Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon (38-4, 29 KO’s). Prior to the prizefight, most thought that it would be easy work for the technical and fast-fisted Usyk. Once in the ring however, Witherspoon proved to be quite the formidable foe.
Thankfully for Usyk, the very long in the tooth Witherspoon badly gassed as the fight approached the middle rounds. Even after fading as he did, Witherspoon showed that Usyk still has a great deal to prove at heavyweight before he can be called one of the best.
Even with this being said, Usyk’s crisp jab, fluid feet and unorthodox movements would probably see Team Joshua face him later down the line.
MANDATORY TOSS UP
So who do you think will get the nod? The less versatile, but harder hitting Pulev, or the trickier, yet lighter punching Usyk? Each present their own particular pitfalls and both must be addressed. 3kingsboxing will definitely stay on top of this interesting heavyweight triangle.
By: Bakari Simpson
