Tyson Fury is planning three fights in 2025, with an August date next and the main showdown expected in either October or November.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
That chemistry was clearly visible last year, when Joshua traveled to Usyk\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Tragedy reshapes the build-up<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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 \u201cLatz\u201d Ayodele, leaving Joshua to process profound personal grief. The loss sent shockwaves through the sport and altered the emotional landscape of his comeback plans.<\/p>\n
In the months since, Joshua has leaned heavily on Usyk\u2019s support. The two have been training together in Spain as \u201cAJ\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnthony is working very hard,\u201d Usyk told the Metro. \u201cI 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 \u2014 no, no. He still has a lot of fire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Usyk\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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: \u2018AJ, my brother, I am here for you. Anything I can do to help, I will.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u201cGypsy King\u201d at the highest level.<\/p>\n
Fury keeps busy before the showdown<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a run out for me,\u201d Fury said. \u201cJust to get sharper for the big one.\u201d<\/p>\n
With Usyk firmly in Joshua\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":762,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Usyk Backs Anthony Joshua Ahead of Fury Heavyweight Fight","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Oleksandr Usyk backs Anthony Joshua ahead of the Tyson Fury showdown, citing their friendship and past fights as Joshua chases hea","mma_seo_breadcrumb_text":"","mma_seo_breadcrumb_url":"","mma_seo_breadcrumb_hide_ui":"","mma_seo_breadcrumb_labels":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n
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