Anthony Joshua disclosed that the camp surrounding Oleksandr Usyk encouraged him to "show greatness" while the two heavyweight titans sparred together in preparation for the Briton's return bout. Joshua spent time training side‑by‑side with his former adversary as he geared up for his upcoming clash against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.
The 36‑year‑old, a two‑time world heavyweight champion, explained that Usyk’s entourage urged him to push his standards even higher, especially with a high‑profile showdown against fellow Briton Tyson Fury on the horizon later this year. "They’re an elite group. I got to see how he prepared for Rico Verhoeven, the guy Usyk knocked out in May," Joshua told Sky Sports. He added that the responsibility ultimately fell on both fighters: "It’s all about Usyk, and it’s all about me doing the work.
The team has given us everything we need; now it’s up to us to put in the effort." Joshua reflected on his own abilities, noting, "I’m pretty solid at what I do. I’m strong, I can take a hit and deliver one, so sometimes I can coast just enough and still be good enough. But these guys aren’t satisfied with that. They want more.
They want us to bring it out, to unleash what’s inside." He praised the influence of Usyk’s staff on his training mindset: "Let’s bring out the good stuff you’ve got in you and let’s improve. My approach to training has definitely evolved a lot because of that." Nevertheless, Joshua reminded listeners that preparation in the gym and performance in the ring are two distinct beasts. "In a fight you don’t always have the luxury to make adjustments on the fly," he said. "You’re under a massive amount of pressure, and you have to deliver at that moment.
The goal is to make that level of performance routine in the gym, so when fight night arrives it feels natural." He elaborated on the philosophy handed down by Usyk’s camp: "Greatness should be something you do every day in training, not something you only summon when the lights are on. It shouldn’t be a do‑or‑die moment where you have to summon a sudden burst of greatness.
You should be able to demonstrate it from round one." Looking back at his own record, Joshua noted that he has emerged victorious in 29 of his 33 professional fights, with 26 wins coming by way of knockout. He insisted that his trademark aggression remains intact and that he is ready to unleash it should the opportunity arise against Prenga. "That’s the name of the game – there’s no overtime.
If I can finish it, I will. I know what my mind is telling me, I know what I have to do, and however long it takes, I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk away victorious." The conversation also touched on the broader context of heavyweight boxing in 2026, with upcoming marquee matchups and the growing popularity of streaming platforms that allow fans to watch fights without contractual restrictions.
Joshua’s remarks underscore a renewed commitment to excellence, inspired by a rival’s disciplined camp, and a determination to prove that his greatness is not a one‑off spectacle but a daily habit cultivated through relentless work ethic. In summary, Joshua’s time alongside Usyk’s team served as a catalyst for introspection and motivation.
The message was clear: elevate your standards, embrace the grind, and let greatness become a habit rather than a fleeting moment. As he steps into the ring against Prenga, the British champion aims to translate that philosophy into action, hoping to deliver a performance that reflects the relentless pursuit of excellence championed by both camps.