Usyk Confident Joshua Can Topple Fury for Undisputed Heavyweight Crown
Oleksandr Usyk has boldly predicted that Anthony Joshua will emerge victorious over Tyson Fury in their long-awaited showdown, potentially securing the undisputed heavyweight world title. The Ukrainian boxing star, who has triumphed over both fighters twice, is now guiding Joshua's training camp and believes the British boxer has the tools to reclaim his former glory.
Joshua's Comeback Trail After Near-Fatal Accident
Anthony Joshua has been working intensively with Usyk since returning to the gym following a harrowing car crash last December that nearly claimed his life. The Brit is planning a summer return to the ring in July, with the ultimate goal of settling his decade-long rivalry with Tyson Fury in a blockbuster November bout.
Joshua's recent record shows mixed results: his last victory against a recognised boxer came almost three years ago when he stopped Otto Wallin. Since then, he knocked out MMA star Francis Ngannou before suffering a defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley. Most recently, he secured a knockout victory over YouTuber Jake Paul last Christmas.
Usyk's Unwavering Support and Training Insights
"I know Anthony can do it because I look at how he is training; he's a machine," Usyk declared. "But I think he needs help and we are all people who support AJ. I am a football fan and sometimes my team loses, but I don't say, 'They're bad', I say, 'These things happen and you must work harder'."
The former champion offered a philosophical perspective on fan support, stating: "But sometimes people who support a team or a fighter, and they lose, they are negative. They are not fans, they are talking bulls***. We must help each other and if we don't, we are not people, we are animals."
Usyk acknowledged Joshua's physical challenges following the car crash, noting: "I think he is ready to fight but he needs some time because he has a problem with his body after the crash."
Fury's Recent Activity and Usyk's Assessment
Tyson Fury made his return to the ring last weekend, outpointing Arslanbek Makhmudov in his first fight since losing his rematch to Usyk. The Ukrainian champion admitted to some nervousness during the early rounds, saying: "It's good that Tyson won. I was nervous in the first few rounds because Makhmudov landed some shots."
While Usyk prepares to defend his world title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven next month, he remains focused on Joshua's prospects against Fury. "I don't know how Anthony beats Tyson. I'm not a good predictor so I don't know if he knocks him out, but I believe AJ will do it," he stated.
Negotiations and Timeline for the Mega-Fight
Despite Fury calling Joshua into the ring after his comeback victory only to be snubbed, promoter Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about finalizing the highly anticipated bout. "We received the contract at the end of last week for two fights," Hearn revealed. "We've been going back and forward and my instruction from AJ is to make the fight and that's what we'll be trying to do."
Hearn provided a clear timeline for Joshua's return, explaining: "In the next two weeks, he will be signed off physically to return to proper full-time training. The deal we've been offered is not to fight Tyson Fury straight away; we expect him to be out in July and then to fight Fury in November."
This sets the stage for what could be one of the most significant heavyweight boxing events in recent memory, with Usyk's guidance potentially proving crucial to Joshua's chances against the formidable Fury.
