Oleksandr Usyk says he is standing firmly behind Anthony Joshua as the British heavyweight gears up for what could be the biggest night of his career against Tyson Fury.
Quick facts
- Oleksandr Usyk has pledged his full support to Anthony Joshua ahead of Joshua vs Tyson Fury.
- Usyk and Joshua developed a friendship after two memorable fights in which Usyk beat Joshua on points.
- Joshua trained with Usyk last year in preparation for his bout with Jake Paul in Miami, where he stopped Paul in the sixth round.
- Days after that victory, Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
- Usyk says Joshua is working hard, with strong focus, discipline, and motivation, and adds that he is not finished.
- Usyk is the only fighter to have beaten Fury in the professional ranks, achieving points wins in both meetings, including one in December 2024.
- Tyson Fury is planning three fights in 2025, with an August date next and the main showdown expected in either October or November.
The relationship between the two men has grown out of competition that was anything but friendly. They first met at Tottenham, where Usyk won on points, and then again a year later, repeating the result to settle their rivalry. Despite the sting of those losses, Joshua has embraced Usyk rather than resenting him, treating the Ukrainian as both a mentor and a close companion.
That chemistry was clearly visible last year, when Joshua traveled to Usyk’s training setup ahead of a high-profile clash with Jake Paul. The partnership produced results in Miami, with Joshua delivering a commanding display and forcing a stoppage of Paul in the sixth round. Yet the timing of the celebration could not last.
Tragedy reshapes the build-up
Only days after the fight, Joshua faced a devastating car crash in Nigeria. The incident took the lives of two people close to him, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, leaving Joshua to process profound personal grief. The loss sent shockwaves through the sport and altered the emotional landscape of his comeback plans.
In the months since, Joshua has leaned heavily on Usyk’s support. The two have been training together in Spain as “AJ” prepares for his next return to the ring, and early signs suggest the sessions are going extremely well. Usyk has been watching Joshua work day after day, and he says he has been impressed by what he sees.
“Anthony is working very hard,” Usyk told the Metro. “I see his work every day in the training camp. I see his focus, I see his discipline, and I see big motivation inside him. He is not finished — no, no. He still has a lot of fire.”
Usyk’s involvement is not limited to encouragement from the corner. The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion has also made clear that his team will do everything they can to ensure Joshua is fully prepared for Fury.
“My friend AJ can win this fight. I believe in him. AJ has everything to win. And from our side, my team and I will help him with his preparation. I always tell him: ‘AJ, my brother, I am here for you. Anything I can do to help, I will.’”
That guidance could be especially valuable because Usyk holds a unique piece of experience heading into any Fury matchup. He is the only man to have beaten Fury in the professional ranks, having faced him in a thrilling two-fight series where Usyk won on points in both contests. The second win arrived in December 2024, giving Joshua a clear reference point for how to challenge the “Gypsy King” at the highest level.
Fury keeps busy before the showdown
Fury, meanwhile, is also staying active as the heavyweight collision draws closer. After his April win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, the Morecambe fighter indicated he is targeting three bouts during the year. An August fight is next on his schedule, followed by the major clash in either October or November.
“It’s just a run out for me,” Fury said. “Just to get sharper for the big one.”
With Usyk firmly in Joshua’s corner and momentum building behind the scenes, Joshua will be hoping circumstances finally fall into place for an all-British heavyweight showdown that many fans believe could go down as one of the most eagerly awaited fights in history.
