OLYMPIC silver medallist Richard Torrez has told Anthony Joshua to “hit me up” for some specialist sparring ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
American fighter Torrez, 23, reckons he would be the perfect preparation for AJ as he has the same fighting style as Usyk.
Anthony Joshua takes on Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on August 20
AJ has been offered specialist sparring by Richard Torrez ahead of the bout
Torrez won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 games in the super-heavyweight division.
And while Usyk has moved up to heavyweight from cruiserweight division, Torrez believes he can help Joshua in his bid to reclaim his world titles.
Ahead of his fight against Roberto Zavala Jr on Friday, Torrez told Sky Sports: “I was hoping that Anthony Joshua would hit me up to spar because I kind of have an Usyk style.
“How it happens is how it happens, I haven’t got that call.
“If any of the big heavyweights want to spar me or want to get a look, I am more than willing and more than obliged to go and do so.”
Despite offering AJ the chance to spar with him, Torrez admitted he is “leaning towards Usyk” when it comes to calling a winner for the fight.
The pair are set to come to blows in Saudi Arabia on August 20, with Usyk’s WBA, WBO, IBF & IBO world titles on the line.
Torrez continued: “Usyk’s movement, his lateral movement, his feints, everything like that, it’s unparalleled right now.
“I think the shot that Anthony Joshua has is letting his punches go. He really has to let those punches go and he has the shots, he has the power.
“Anthony Joshua will always have that power. If he lands, it’ll hurt and I think by following through with his punches and having more combinations, I think it’ll be an interesting fight.
“Honestly right now I am leaning towards Usyk.”
The Ukrainian stole AJ’s belts off him with a 12-round masterclass at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September.
But AJ is bidding to become a three-time heavyweight champion when the pair meet again next month, and even if he is beaten again the Watford-born fighter has no plans to retire any time soon.
