Evander Holyfield, former world heavyweight champion, has expressed his belief that Anthony Joshua possesses more skill than Deontay Wilder. Holyfield, who achieved great success in the 1990s, winning undisputed championships in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, considers Joshua to be the more skillful boxer in an anticipated tournament that could feature Joshua against Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk against Tyson Fury in December.
According to Holyfield, both fighters are talented, with Wilder being quick, but Joshua demonstrating greater skill. Holyfield emphasized the importance of taking hits in boxing and noted that those who can withstand them tend to bounce back later in the fight. He expressed anticipation for the intriguing matchup between the two boxers.
In addition, Holyfield offered advice to Usyk, who, like himself, has achieved success in multiple weight divisions but has yet to secure a defining fight against Fury. Holyfield encouraged Usyk to stay close to Fury, utilize his quick hands, and throw a high volume of punches. He acknowledged the size advantage that Fury possesses but suggested that Usyk could employ different strategies to overcome it.
Usyk, 36, remains undefeated in his professional career, holding unified WBA, IBF, and WBO belts and is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. Holyfield praised Usyk’s abilities and speculated that fighters might be reluctant to face him due to his skill and agility. He noted that Fury appears eager to fight Usyk, indicating a lack of concern on his part.
The potential matchups between Joshua and Wilder, as well as Usyk and Fury, have generated significant excitement among boxing fans, with hopes that the champions can come to terms and unify the heavyweight division before the year’s end.
