Anthony Joshua recently disclosed that the team behind Oleksandr Usyk encouraged him to "show greatness" while the two heavyweight champions trained side by side in preparation for Joshua's upcoming comeback bout. The British fighter spent time sparring and working out with the Ukrainian star as he readied himself for a clash against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia this Saturday. During an interview with Sky Sports, the 36‑year‑old two‑time world heavyweight champion explained that Usyk's camp pushed both athletes to elevate their standards even further, especially with a potential showdown against fellow Briton Tyson Fury looming later in the year. "It's an elite team.
I got to see how he prepared for Rico Verhoeven," Joshua said, referencing Usyk's impressive victory over the Dutch kick‑boxing champion in May. "But ultimately, it's all down to Usyk, and it's all down to me to do the work.
The team has given us everything we need; now it's just down to us to do the work." Joshua highlighted how the guidance from Usyk's staff went beyond simple pep talks. "I'm quite good at what I do anyway. I'm quite strong.
I can take, I can give, so sometimes I can just get away with doing enough but still be good enough. But these guys are like, 'nah'.
They want to see more. They want to see more, like bring it out," he explained.
The message was clear: the Ukrainian camp wanted both fighters to dig deeper, to extract every ounce of skill and determination they possessed, and to showcase that extra level of performance for the benefit of the fans and the sport. The conversation also touched on how training and actual competition differ.
Joshua noted that while a boxer can make incremental improvements in the gym, the pressure of a live fight leaves little room for on‑the‑spot adjustments. "Sometimes in a fight, you don't have that luxury to make improvements," he said.
"You're fighting because you're in such a moment that puts so much pressure on your shoulders. So you're performing at your best, but it should be normal to perform at this level. That's what Usyk's team were saying.
Your greatness should just be something that you do every day in the gym. So doing it on fight night shouldn't make no difference. You shouldn't have to take yourself to that level where you're under so much pressure.
It's a do‑or‑die moment where you show greatness. You should be able to do it from round one." Joshua's career statistics underline why his words carry weight: out of 33 professional fights, he has won 29, with 26 victories coming by way of knockout. Those numbers reflect a fighter who combines technical proficiency with raw power, a combination that has made him a fan favorite worldwide.
Yet, despite his impressive résumé, Joshua remains humble about the challenges ahead. He stressed that his focus is on delivering a decisive performance against Prenga, stating, "That's the name of the game. There's no overtime.
If I can end it, trust me, I will. But I know what my mind is telling me. I know what I have to do. And however long it takes me, I'll be content with it.
I just have to make sure I'm victorious." The motivational push from Usyk's team also serves a broader purpose: it reinforces a culture of continuous improvement within heavyweight boxing. By urging each other to "show greatness" not only in the ring but also during daily training sessions, both camps are setting a higher bar for future generations of fighters. This mindset aligns with modern sports science, which emphasizes consistent, incremental progress over sporadic bursts of effort.
In addition to the immediate implications for the Prenga fight, the exchange hints at a potential future clash between Joshua and Fury. Both British heavyweights have expressed interest in a showdown, and the mutual respect between their camps could lead to a highly anticipated bout that would capture global attention. If Joshua can internalize the lessons from Usyk's team and translate them into a dominant performance, he will not only bolster his own legacy but also position himself as a credible challenger for Fury later in the year.
Outside the ring, Joshua continues to engage with fans through various platforms, including Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel, where supporters can receive the latest news, videos, and analysis. His recent tribute to friends lost in a tragic crash also demonstrates his willingness to use his public profile for personal and charitable causes.
Overall, the collaboration between Joshua and Usyk's teams underscores a shared belief that greatness is not a one‑time event but a daily habit. By embracing this philosophy, Joshua aims to refine his training regimen, sharpen his tactical approach, and ensure that when the bell rings, he can deliver the kind of performance that feels effortless, even under the most intense pressure.
Whether he secures a quick knockout or endures a hard‑fought decision, the message is clear: his commitment to excellence, reinforced by Usyk's elite support staff, will shape the next chapter of his storied career.