Usyk vs AJ: Anthony Joshua vows he ‘must win’ Usyk rematch | ‘We were born to compete!’ | Boxing News

Anthony Joshua faced Oleksandr Usyk at the final press conference ahead of their high stakes rematch, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday, and vowed he must win after September’s loss to the Ukrainian.

Usyk delivered an assured performance over 12 rounds last year to outpoint Joshua and win the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.

It leaves Joshua in an unusual position for him, that of the challenger. He will have to walk first to the ring on Saturday night and Usyk, the new champion, made him wait for his arrival at the start of their press conference at the Shangri La hotel in Jeddah on Wednesday too.

Joshua knows his place at the top of the heavyweight division depends on this fight. He insisted he cannot afford to lose.

“That’s it. Must win,” he said.

“I like the pressure,” Joshua continued. “It’s been tough. [Now] just get the job done. Instinct, stay focused, get the job done, God willing, victorious.”

The Briton will summon all his competitive spirit to try to get his revenge.

“It’s competition,” he said of his motivation. “I’ve got goals I want to achieve in the ring on the night. That’s competition with myself.”

Usyk is similarly inspired. “We were born to compete for life, for belts, for everything. The one who does not compete does not live,” he said.

“All our lives are competition, for anything, for something, for somebody, that’s why we are competing.”

Joshua loomed over him in their final face-off but Usyk was undaunted. In fact, as AJ departed the stage, the Ukrainian with a smile on his face burst into song.

Both fighters are ready for Saturday night.

More to follow.

Anthony Joshua’s huge heavyweight rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is on Saturday August 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk vs Joshua 2 now!