Anthony Joshua Reunites with Oleksandr Usyk for Comeback Training After Tragedy
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to rigorous training, just months after a devastating car crash in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of his two close friends. The British boxer is ramping up his preparations for a comeback fight later this year, once again teaming up with Ukrainian trainer Oleksandr Usyk and his team.
Training Resumes with Usyk's Team
Joshua has been spotted training with Iegor Golub, a key figure in Usyk's camp who has assisted the Ukrainian in numerous fights. Golub began working with Joshua after the boxer split with former trainer Ben Davison following a defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024. In a recent Instagram post, Golub shared images of Joshua honing his skills, captioning it "Back to training." The photos show Joshua working on a heavy bag and improving his conditioning with jump ropes.
In a separate social media upload, Usyk was filmed providing Joshua with technical advice on a kettlebell exercise. Despite their historic rivalry, which saw Usyk defeat Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022, the pair have developed a strong friendship and are now collaborating closely as both prepare for their respective returns to the ring.
Tragic Accident and Delayed Comeback
Joshua's training comeback follows a tragic incident just days after his December fight against Jake Paul in Miami. He was involved in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Lateef 'Latz' Ayodele. This tragedy forced a delay in his planned return to the ring, which was initially scheduled for February, with a summer showdown against Tyson Fury also on the cards.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has clarified that there is no signed agreement for a Joshua-Fury fight, stating, "There is absolutely nothing signed with Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury next. There is nothing agreed." He noted that deep conversations had taken place prior to the accident, outlining a plan for Joshua to fight Jake Paul, then compete in Saudi Arabia in February or March, followed by a bout with Fury.
Future Opponents and Usyk's Own Plans
Speculation surrounds Joshua's potential opponents for his summer return, with Dillian Whyte's name being floated as a possibility. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk is also stepping up his training ahead of his own comeback fight. The 39-year-old Ukrainian is set to face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt this May, marking another high-profile bout in his career.
Joshua's last outing in December saw him knock out Jake Paul in the sixth round, in what was described as a dull and uninspiring encounter. As he slowly returns to the gym and intensifies his daily routine, the boxing world watches closely to see how he will bounce back from both personal loss and professional challenges.
