Oleksandr Usyk has publicly pledged his support to Anthony Joshua in the quest to topple Tyson Fury. The former world champion, who has already suffered two defeats at the hands of Joshua, has now invited the British heavyweight into his own training camp, spending time alongside the unbeaten, unified champion. Usyk has embraced Joshua as part of his inner circle, saying, "We help each other.
We train together, we joke together, it’s a great atmosphere. We used to be rivals, now we’re friends," in an interview with Sky Sports.
Usyk, a two‑division, three‑time undisputed world champion, has already beaten Fury twice, making him an ideal mentor for Joshua as he prepares for a potential showdown with the former two‑time heavyweight champion. "I think AJ will do it, beat my friend ‘Greedy Belly,’" Usyk quipped, referring to Fury with a familiar nickname. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, told Sky Sports that talks are progressing for an all‑British heavyweight clash later this year, a fight that fans have been yearning for.
Hearn hinted that Usyk could even sit in Joshua’s corner when the two giants finally meet in the ring. "It’s a huge statement. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens," Hearn said.
"Having Oleksandr there will be a massive help – how could it not be? It won’t be an easy fight, but we’re confident." According to Hearn, the partnership with Usyk is already bearing fruit. He described the training environment as "incredible," noting that being around the sport’s pound‑for‑pound number one has a profound impact on Joshua’s mindset. "He arrived in August, said he’d stay for two weeks, and never left," Hearn recalled.
"After three days he Facetimed me from his hotel bed, saying he was considering going home. But then he saw me sprinting, heart rate at ninety percent, and Usyk walked over to the treadmill and said, ‘Keep going, you can do this, you’ll be champion again.’ That kind of inspiration is priceless." Hearn believes the collaboration will elevate Joshua to a new level. "Combine that with Oleksandr’s experience – he’s beaten Fury twice – and you have a perfect mix of skill and motivation," he added.
"Joshua now fights for more than just belts; there are personal stakes in his life that drive him. We’re proud of him and we’ll make this happen. He will beat Fury." While Joshua prepares for a potential bout with Fury, Usyk is also busy. He is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, against kick‑boxing champion Rico Verhoeven, who is making his boxing debut at the highest level.
Usyk downplays the challenge, calling himself a "master boxer" and insisting the fight will be a routine test for him. Speculation continues about Usyk’s future opponents. Rumors link him to a clash with the winner of the Fabio Wardley‑Daniel Dubois bout, a fight that could reunify the four major heavyweight crowns, and even a possible trilogy with Fury.
However, Usyk remains focused on his immediate task. "Right now my only focus is Rico.
After that we’ll discuss future plans. It’s May 23 in Egypt – discipline and focus on this fight only," he said. The alliance between Usyk and Joshua represents a rare convergence of talent in the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s technical mastery, footwork, and ring IQ have already proven effective against Fury’s size and power. By sharing his training methods, sparring routines, and tactical insights, Usyk hopes to give Joshua the edge he needs to finally overcome the British lion. In turn, Joshua brings his own experience, power, and determination, creating a symbiotic relationship that could reshape the heavyweight landscape. If the proposed all‑British showdown materialises, it would be more than a simple title bout; it would be a narrative of redemption, friendship, and strategic partnership.
Joshua, once defeated by Usyk, now trains under his guidance, while Usyk, fresh off a successful defense of his own title, prepares to face a newcomer from a different combat sport. The stakes are high, the personalities are larger than life, and the boxing world watches with bated breath. Both fighters have expressed confidence in their preparations.
Usyk’s comment about Fury – "Greedy Belly" – shows a light‑hearted confidence that belies his serious intent to help Joshua. Meanwhile, Hearn’s remarks underline a belief that the mental and physical boost from training with a champion of Usyk’s caliber could be the decisive factor in a future clash. In summary, the partnership between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a desire to conquer the heavyweight throne. With Usyk’s proven record against Fury and Joshua’s relentless drive, the combination could prove formidable.
Whether they meet in the ring later this year or continue to support each other’s campaigns, the heavyweight division stands on the brink of a new era, shaped by the strategic alliance of two of its most prominent figures.