Amir Khan believes Anthony Joshua was two rounds away from beating Oleksandr Usyk in Saturday’s world title rematch, and has backed Tyson Fury to overcome the Ukrainian in an undisputed heavyweight showdown.
Joshua was on the losing side of a split decision after a much-improved performance in Saudi Arabia following a points defeat in their first fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
The two-time world champion’s best spell came in the ninth when he piled on the pressure and threatened to stop Usyk, who produced a remarkable response across the closing three rounds to retain the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
“I had Joshua going into the fight and winning the fight,” said Khan. “He didn’t look the best the first time he fought him so I thought this time with a new trainer, obviously a new trainer brings out the best in you and is going to help him.
“But to be honest with you, after six or seven rounds in the fight, you could see Joshua slowing down and Usyk coming stronger.
Source: SkySports