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 the Ukrainian, has now become part of Usyk's training camp, spending time alongside the unbeaten, unified heavyweight champion. Usyk welcomed the former titleholder with open arms, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that now defines their relationship.
"We help each other, we work together, we joke around – it’s a great atmosphere. We used to be rivals, now we’re friends," he told Sky Sports.
Usyk, a two‑division, three‑time undisputed world champion, has already beaten Fury twice, making him an ideal advisor 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 joked, referring to Fury with his familiar nickname. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, revealed to Sky Sports that negotiations are progressing for a long‑awaited all‑British heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury later this year.
The prospect of Usyk sitting in Joshua’s corner for that bout has been floated, adding another layer of intrigue to the potential matchup. Hearn explained that training with Usyk is already having a noticeable impact on Joshua’s preparation.
"The setup is incredible. Being around the best fighter in the sport is inspiring and he loves it. He arrived on his own in August‑September, saying he would stay for two weeks – and he never left," Hearn said.
He recounted a moment when Joshua, after three days of training, called him from his bed, saying, "I’m not sure about this, I think I’m going to come home." Hearn described a scene that captured the intensity of the camp: Joshua sprinting at full effort, heart rate near 90 percent, when the pound‑for‑pound No.1 Usyk approached the treadmill and encouraged him, "Keep going, you can do this, you’re going to be a champion again." He called this kind of encouragement "inspirational" and said it creates an environment that fuels Joshua’s fire and passion for the upcoming fight. According to Hearn, the partnership with Usyk is taking Joshua to "a whole new level." He highlighted that Usyk and his team have already defeated Fury twice, creating a "nice mix" of experience and motivation for Joshua. "It’s a different type of energy, a different purpose now.
He’s fighting for more than just belts; he has personal matters driving him," Hearn added. "We are very proud of him and we will get this done – he will beat Tyson Fury." While Joshua’s future fight is being plotted, Usyk is busy preparing for his own bout. On May 23, he will defend his WBC heavyweight title in Giza, Egypt, against kick‑boxing champion Rico Verhoeven, who is making his boxing debut at the highest level. Usyk remains confident, describing himself as "a master boxer" and warning Verhoeven that a Usyk masterclass is on the horizon.
Usyk’s camp has also hinted at possible future match‑ups, including a showdown with the winner of the Fabio Wardley‑Daniel Dubois fight to reunify the four major heavyweight belts, and even a potential third fight with Fury. However, Usyk emphasized that his immediate focus is on the May 23 fight in Egypt, stating, "Now I have focus only on Rico, then we speak about future plans. Discipline and focus – only this fight." The collaboration between Usyk and Joshua reflects a broader trend in heavyweight boxing, where elite fighters are sharing knowledge and resources to elevate each other’s games.
By training alongside a fighter who has already outboxed Fury twice, Joshua gains insights into footwork, timing, and ring‑generalship that could prove decisive. At the same time, Usyk benefits from Joshua’s power and experience, creating a symbiotic relationship that could reshape the heavyweight landscape.
If the Joshua‑Fury fight materialises, it will be a historic British heavyweight clash, pitting two of the nation’s biggest stars against each other with the added narrative of Usyk’s mentorship. The fight would not only be a battle for the heavyweight crown but also a test of how much a champion can improve by learning from a peer who has already conquered the same opponent.
In summary, Oleksandr Usyk has taken Anthony Joshua under his wing, offering tactical advice, motivational support, and a glimpse into the mindset that helped him defeat Tyson Fury twice. Joshua’s camp reports that the experience is already paying dividends, with Joshua showing renewed determination and confidence. As both men look ahead to their respective challenges – Joshua potentially facing Fury and Usyk defending his title against Verhoeven – the heavyweight division stands on the brink of several marquee events that could redefine the hierarchy of the sport.