Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk share lengthy, intense face-off as they meet for first time since their battle and preview rematch in Saudi Arabia

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk got here face-to-face for the primary time since their battle as they met at a press convention to preview their rematch in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The heavyweights shared a protracted and intense face-off on the finish of the media occasion for the August 20 battle, with neither man eager to look away first.

Usyk and AJ had a two-minute face-offMatchroom Boxing They refused to interrupt eye contactMatchroom Boxing

Promoter Eddie Hearn made two makes an attempt to get the fighters to face the entrance for photographs, however neither budged.

Then AJ himself pointed to the entrance, signalling for Usyk to look away.

Nevertheless, the Ukrainian refused to take action and ultimately, after nearly two minutes, Joshua turned his head and broke his opponent’s gaze.

On the press convention itself, Joshua stated: “Undoubtedly the starvation’s nonetheless there.

“Blips occur, however resilience, psychological toughness, consistency will prevail.

“I’m focussed on the goal sitting over there.

AJ advised Usyk to show awayMatchroom Boxing Usyk turned his physique, however retained eye contactMatchroom Boxing Joshua was first to show his headMatchroom Boxing

“God keen I’ll carry out and develop into three-time heavyweight champion of the world.”

He added: “The battle with Usyk, he bust my a*** for some rounds and I needed to take that defeat like a person as effectively.

“I maintain myself accountable.

“Within the battle in September I used to be improper and he was proper, I’ve to reverse that August 20…

“Now we have to provide him, his crew credit score the place credit score’s due.

“I respect him and his craft and what he’s acheived.

“If I’m round somebody that’s higher than me on the evening, I’ve to push myself to be higher than them.

“The nice factor is I’ve received a second likelihood.”

Each males spoke effectively on the presserMatchroom Boxing

#UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/I2ZK14PXsD

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 21, 2022

Usyk stated: “I’m very blissful I’m right here.

“I’m very blissful my subsequent battle is gonna occur. It’s an enormous honour for me to be right here.

“As everyone knows, we aren’t in the most effective situations for the time being again at house, however we’re doing what we’ve to do, we’re doing our job, working arduous to realize our objectives.

“I by no means made any loud and vivid speeches.

“All I did is I simply work arduous in my coaching camp in my health club, that’s what I’m gonna do till the battle.

“After which I’ll enter the ring and I’ll make you pleased with my boxing, thanks.”

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