Amir Khan believes Anthony Joshua was two rounds away from beating Oleksandr Usyk in Saturday’s world title rematch, and has backed Tyson Fury to overcome the Ukrainian in an undisputed heavyweight showdown.
Joshua was on the losing side of a split decision after a much-improved performance in Saudi Arabia following a points defeat in their first fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
The two-time world champion’s best spell came in the ninth when he piled on the pressure and threatened to stop Usyk, who produced a remarkable response across the closing three rounds to retain the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
“I had Joshua going into the fight and winning the fight,” said Khan. “He didn’t look the best the first time he fought him so I thought this time with a new trainer, obviously a new trainer brings out the best in you and is going to help him.
“But to be honest with you, after six or seven rounds in the fight, you could see Joshua slowing down and Usyk coming stronger.
“Usyk is a smaller guy but the way he put on that muscle, the way he dominated, especially towards the end of the fight.
“Those last two rounds were what I think lost AJ the fight. Till the 10th round, AJ was doing well and it was those last two rounds that gave it to Usyk.”
Fury has a deadline of Friday to confirm to the WBC whether he intends to fight on after the 34-year-old reaffirmed his retirement following his stoppage win over Dillian Whyte in April.
But the British star has claimed he would return to the ring for £500m, setting a deadline for all offers to come to him by September 1.
“To all these suitors out there that want to make the fight, I’m going to give you all seven days,” Fury declared, “till September 1 to come up with the money. If not, thank you very much, it’s been a blast, I’m retired.
“All them offers submitted must be to my lawyer,” he added. “In writing with proof of funds.
“So let the games begin.”
Amir Khan has offered assistance himself. “Usyk is one of the best fighters out there. Pound for pound, it is between him and Terrence Crawford,” Khan said. “What Usyk did last week was phenomenal.
