Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has made a surprising move in his training camp, enlisting the help of Oleksandr Usyk's team as he prepares for his controversial comeback fight against YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
An Unlikely Training Partnership
The boxing world was taken aback when Joshua revealed his new training arrangement during a press conference in Miami to officially announce the December 19 contest. The fight will be contested over eight professional rounds, marking Joshua's first appearance since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024.
Joshua explained his decision to work with the team behind his former opponent, unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated him on points in both 2021 and 2022. "I was invited to train with Team Usyk," Joshua stated. "He's one of the best in the world, and it's not all down to him."
The British boxer emphasised the value of learning from a champion's support system, adding: "It's also down to the team that's around him, so I've linked up with them and got a great insight into someone who has achieved so much. It's been a great experience and it's very challenging."
Divided Opinions and Fighter Mindset
The upcoming bout has sparked considerable debate within boxing circles, primarily due to the contrasting backgrounds of the two fighters. Paul has built a 13-fight professional record largely against former UFC fighters and retired boxers, with his only heavyweight bout ending in a points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson last year.
Joshua, meanwhile, remains a former unified heavyweight champion despite his recent setbacks. When questioned about the criticism surrounding what some perceive as a mismatch, Joshua remained defiant. "I don't address people that are against me," he declared. "People say, 'what do you feel about negative comments?' Why am I worried about negative comments?"
The Olympic gold medallist maintained his focus on his supporters, stating: "I just focus on the people who believe in me and support me. I have nothing to say to those people."
Paul's Confidence and Game Plan
Despite acknowledging Joshua's credentials, Paul expressed confidence in his ability to cause what would be considered a monumental upset in the boxing world. The social media star turned professional boxer paid tribute to Joshua's achievements while outlining his strategy for victory.
"He is one of the best heavyweights ever but I believe that fighting a smaller man is often harder as a heavyweight, because of the speed difference and because of the foot-speed and the angles," Paul explained during the press conference.
Paul's game plan appears to revolve around survival and endurance against the powerful puncher. "All that power is great and he's knocked people out, I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds and I believe that I can do that," he added.
In a dramatic conclusion to his remarks, Paul displayed remarkable determination, stating: "I know this is much more challenging but I know what I'm capable of. This is going to be fun. I want him to cut me up, I want him to break my face, but guess what? He's going to have to kill me to stop me, and I'm seriously ready to die."
The stage is now set for what promises to be one of the most talked-about boxing events of the year when these two very different combatants meet in Miami next month.
