Oleksandr Usyk Highlights Anthony Joshua’s Fatal Weakness in boxing
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion and two-time conqueror of Anthony Joshua, recently revealed a critical flaw in Joshua’s boxing technique. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk explained how this weakness leaves Joshua vulnerable in the ring and why it poses a serious threat to his success at the highest level of competition.
Usyk’s Analysis of Anthony Joshua’s Defensive Flaw
Reflecting on Joshua’s performances, Usyk pinpointed a fundamental issue in the British boxer’s defensive style. “Joshua has a habit of leaning back to avoid punches. It’s very dangerous,” Usyk said. He stressed that this technique exposes Joshua to counterattacks, leaving him open to significant risk during fights.
Usyk also offered a solution, explaining that the proper defensive move is to “step back with your rear foot” rather than leaning backward. The latter, according to Usyk, compromises balance and opens the fighter to counterpunches. This technical flaw has been a consistent problem in Joshua’s performances, particularly in his defeats to elite opponents.
Why Leaning Back Is a Risky Move
Leaning back as a defensive tactic can be effective in limited situations, but it carries significant risks. Usyk highlighted how this habit leaves Joshua’s head unprotected and his body unbalanced, creating opportunities for opponents to capitalize. In heavyweight boxing, where every punch carries immense power, a defensive mistake like this can result in devastating consequences.
Usyk’s remarks underline the importance of sound defensive fundamentals, particularly at the elite level. Fighters who focus on technical precision, like Usyk himself, are highly skilled at recognizing and exploiting such vulnerabilities in the ring.
How This Weakness Impacted Joshua’s Career
Joshua’s tendency to lean back during fights has been a factor in some of his most notable defeats. For instance, his losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk showcased how this defensive flaw hindered his ability to maintain control of the fight. Opponents with quick reflexes and strategic skill, like Usyk, can easily use this weakness to land decisive blows.
By failing to address this habit, Joshua risks losing his edge against the sport’s top-tier competitors. Modern elite fighters are trained to identify and take advantage of such defensive lapses. Improving this aspect of his technique could be crucial for Joshua as he seeks to remain competitive in the heavyweight division.
Conclusion
Oleksandr Usyk’s analysis sheds light on a key area where Anthony Joshua needs improvement to reclaim dominance in the heavyweight division. While Joshua is known for his power and athleticism, even small technical flaws can have significant consequences at this level of competition.
To regain his standing among the best, Joshua must focus on refining his defensive techniques and eliminating risky habits like leaning back. Usyk’s advice serves as both a warning and an opportunity for growth. With the right adjustments, Joshua could elevate his performance and make a strong comeback. However, failure to adapt may leave him vulnerable to future defeats. As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Joshua’s ability to overcome this challenge will play a pivotal role in his boxing legacy.
