British heavyweight calls unbeaten opponent ‘a live bodybag’ in final press conference before Saturday’s showdown in London
One of the most intriguing fights of the year produced a low-key press conference on Thursday afternoon when Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk finally came face-to-face before they meet in the ring on Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Even the ritual world heavyweight title fight stare-down between Joshua, the champion, and his Ukrainian challenger was muted and highly civilised. It needed the eccentric and gifted Usyk to produce the vivid and compelling splashes of colour this fight will surely generate.
There is a deep mutual respect between Joshua and Usyk and, consequently, no need to stoke any false animosity. The most eye-catching contribution of the afternoon was supplied by Usyk who wore a red suit, a black shirt, a gold polka dot tie and a mustard waistcoat. Joshua, in contrast, looked modestly utilitarian in a black tracksuit as he stressed his commitment to hard work.