Oleksandr Usyk reveals trainer ‘pushed’ him NOT to knock out Anthony Joshua during comprehensive win

Oleksandr Usyk has revealed his trainer ‘pushed’ him not to knock out Anthony Joshua on his way to a stunning victory against the British favourite on Saturday night. 

The wily Ukrainian, undefeated as a professional boxer – 19-0 with 13 KOs – won via a unanimous points decision with a spectacular display in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

And Usyk told Sky Sports although he had success going after Joshua in the early rounds, he changed his tactics mid-fight after advice from his team.

Oleksandr Usyk (second right) revealed his trainer urged him not to knock out Anthony Joshua

The Ukrainian beat Joshua via unanimous points decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

He said: ‘I had no objective to knock him out because my trainer, in my corner, pushed me not to do that.

‘In the beginning I hit him hard and tried to knock him out. But then my trainer said: ‘Just stop, and do your job’.’

Usyk, 34, is now just the third boxer of all time, after Evander Holyfield and David Haye, to become a world champion at heavyweight and cruiserweight.

And Usyk, 34, claimed he changed tactic mid-fight to secure the victory against the Briton

He added:  ‘You didn’t see the best Usyk. I can be much better. 

‘This means a lot to me. The fight went exactly the way I expected it to go. There were a couple of moments where Anthony pushed me hard. But nothing special.’

‘The Cat’, undisputed champion at cruiserweight, only needs Tyson Fury’s WBC belt to attain the same status at heavyweight, with a potential match-up with Fury beckoning – although Joshua has admitted he wants a rematch.