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Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: What time is the fight today, TV channel and our prediction

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: what time is the fight tomorrow, TV channel, latest odds and our prediction - PA
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: what time is the fight tomorrow, TV channel, latest odds and our prediction - PA

Ukrainian challenger Oleksandr Usyk has dismissed concerns that he does not possess the size and strength to take out Anthony Joshua, saying that the "power is in your spirit".

The Briton will put his IBF, WBA and WBO belts on the line on Saturday against the undefeated Usyk, a former cruiserweight who is 18-0 in his professional career.

"People talk a lot... we'll see on Saturday what happens... because the power is in your spirit, it's not about being big or small," said Usyk, who has fought only twice before as a heavyweight.

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," he said. The 34-year-old added that he expected a chess match in the initial rounds of the bout.

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.

"This fight gives me the motivation to practise. 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," he said, before the bout at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When is Joshua vs Usyk?

Saturday, September 25.

What time does the fight start?

As London is the host city, UK fans can expect the main event to get under way at around 10.30pm.

What TV channel is the fight on?

It will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office. You can also follow the fight on BBC Radio 5 Live, or here with us with our live blog.

Who is the undercard for Joshua vs Usyk?

Subject to change

  • Lawrence Okolie vs Dilan Prasovic (WBO cruiserweight title)

  • Callum Smith vs Lenin Castillo

  • Campbell Hatton vs Izan Dura

  • Maxim Prodan vs Florian Marku

  • Christopher Ousley vs Khasan Baysangurov

What are we saying?

Joshua vs Usyk odds

  • Anthony Josuha to win 2/5

  • Draw 25/1

  • Oleksandr Usyk to win 9/4

What's our prediction?

Joshua will go into this fight in the shape of his life.

"I've learned how to condition my body for specific fights. I'm looking trim for this fight. I'm fighting a guy who is a 12-round fighter. So it would be silly of me to go in there bulky with my muscles screaming for oxygen. I've been training like a 15-round fighter in this camp. I will be well-conditioned to fight. That is key"

With a combination of strength and stamina, it's impossible to look beyond a Joshua win.