Oleksandr Usyk has publicly pledged his support to Anthony Joshua in the upcoming clash with Tyson Fury. The former world champion, who has already suffered two defeats at the hands of Joshua, has now been invited to join Joshua's training camp, spending time alongside the unbeaten, unified heavyweight champion. Usyk welcomed the British fighter into his inner circle, describing the atmosphere as collaborative and light‑hearted.
"We help each other, we work, we joke – it’s a great time. Earlier we were rivals, opponents, now we’re friends," he told Sky Sports. Usyk, a two‑division, three‑time undisputed world champion, has personally beaten Fury twice, making him an ideal mentor for Joshua as he prepares to face 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. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed to Sky Sports that negotiations are progressing for a long‑awaited all‑British heavyweight showdown later this year. Hearn hinted that Usyk might even step into Joshua’s corner for the Fury bout, adding that the Ukrainian’s presence would be a massive boost.
"It’s a big shout. I wouldn’t be surprised.
He’s definitely going to be a help – how could he not be? It won’t be an easy fight, but we’re all confident," Hearn said.
According to Hearn, training alongside Usyk is already having a profound impact on Joshua’s preparation. He described the set‑up as "incredible" and emphasized that being around the sport’s pound‑for‑pound number one is a rare privilege. Joshua initially committed to a two‑week stint with Usyk in August‑September but has remained ever since.
After just three days, he called Hearn from his hotel bed, expressing doubts and considering a return home. Hearn recounted the moment Joshua was sprinting at near‑maximum heart rate when Usyk approached the treadmill and encouraged him: "Keep going, you can do this, you are going to be a champion again." That kind of encouragement, Hearn argued, fuels Joshua’s fire and passion for the upcoming fight. Hearn believes the partnership will elevate Joshua to a new level. "Couple that with Oleksandr Usyk and his team having beaten Tyson Fury twice – it’s a nice mix, a dynamic that makes AJ very happy out there," he said.
He noted that Joshua now fights for more than just titles; personal motivations are driving him as well. "He is fighting for a lot of personal things in his life," Hearn added, expressing confidence that Joshua will ultimately triumph over Fury. Meanwhile, Usyk is busy preparing for his own bout on May 23, when he will defend his WBC heavyweight crown against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in the historic setting of the Giza pyramids. Verhoeven, a dominant force in kickboxing, is making his boxing debut at the highest level, and Usyk warned him to expect a masterclass.
"For me it’s a regular fight. I am a master boxer," the Ukrainian champion declared.
Speculation continues about Usyk’s future opponents. Rumors link him to a potential clash with the winner of the Fabio Wardley‑Daniel Dubois showdown, a fight that could reunify the four major heavyweight belts. A trilogy with Fury also remains on the table, though Usyk declined to elaborate on his long‑term plans, stating his focus is solely on the May 23 encounter in Egypt. "Discipline and focus – only this fight," he said.
The collaboration between Usyk and Joshua marks a rare moment in heavyweight boxing, where two top‑tier athletes set aside rivalry to share knowledge and motivation. Their joint training sessions blend Usyk’s technical brilliance and strategic insight with Joshua’s power and determination. By immersing himself in Usyk’s camp, Joshua gains exposure to elite conditioning routines, nuanced footwork drills, and the mental toughness required to outthink a fighter of Fury’s caliber. Usyk’s experience against Fury is particularly valuable.
In their two previous meetings, Usyk utilized superior movement, crisp combinations, and relentless pressure to neutralize Fury’s size and reach advantage. He plans to impart these lessons to Joshua, emphasizing the importance of controlling distance, timing counters, and maintaining a high work rate throughout the bout. Joshua, known for his explosive knockout power, will benefit from sharpening his tactical approach, ensuring he can both land his signature blows and avoid Fury’s counter‑punching.
Beyond the physical preparation, the psychological aspect cannot be overstated. Training with a reigning champion who has already conquered Fury provides Joshua with a confidence boost that transcends the gym walls. The camaraderie and mutual respect fostered between the two fighters create an environment where doubts are replaced by belief. As Hearn observed, hearing Usyk’s encouraging words while pushing through grueling sprints can transform a moment of fatigue into a surge of determination.
In the broader context of heavyweight boxing, this alliance could reshape the landscape. If Joshua successfully implements Usyk’s strategies and defeats Fury, it would not only restore his status as a world champion but also validate the effectiveness of cross‑training among elite athletes.
Conversely, a loss would still demonstrate the willingness of top fighters to collaborate for mutual improvement, setting a precedent for future partnerships. As the May 23 fight in Egypt approaches, all eyes remain on Usyk’s performance against Verhoeven.
A decisive victory would reinforce his credibility as a mentor and further cement his legacy. Meanwhile, the anticipation builds for the potential Joshua‑Fury showdown, with fans eager to see whether the insights gained from Usyk’s tutelage will translate into a historic triumph for the British heavyweight.
Regardless of the outcomes, the story of Oleksandr Usyk training his new "friend" Anthony Joshua underscores a unique chapter in the sport—one where former rivals become allies, sharing expertise to chase glory together.