In a surprising twist ahead of one of boxing's most anticipated fights, former rival Oleksandr Usyk has joined Anthony Joshua's training camp. The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion is lending his expertise to Joshua as the Brit prepares for his professional bout against YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
From Rivals to Collaborators
The boxing world was taken aback when Team Usyk's representative, Sergey Lapin, confirmed the collaboration between the two heavyweight giants. Joshua, who suffered two consecutive defeats to Usyk in 2021 and 2022, personally reached out to the Ukrainian's camp seeking guidance.
"Nothing happens by accident. AJ is someone who's always looking to grow," Lapin told OLBG. "That's why he reached out — he wants new solutions and honest work that can take him to the next level."
Despite working together in the same training environment, the two boxers did not engage in sparring sessions. Lapin explained this strategic decision, noting that "Jake Paul isn't a southpaw, so it didn't make sense" for Joshua to spar with the left-handed Usyk.
The Road to Redemption
Joshua's upcoming fight against Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami, Florida represents more than just a payday for the former champion. The 36-year-old British boxer hasn't fought since his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and has spent much of this year recovering from elbow surgery.
This bout serves as a crucial stepping stone in Joshua's comeback journey. The former champion is set to pocket an astonishing £70 million from the fight, but his ambitions extend far beyond financial gain. Joshua plans to use this outing to get essential ring time before a scheduled February return.
Should both fights proceed successfully, Joshua hopes to finally secure a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury next summer. However, Lapin was quick to clarify that the collaboration with Usyk isn't solely focused on defeating Fury.
"This link-up isn't about one opponent. It's about AJ's development," Lapin stated, adding that "from what we've all heard, Fury has said he's stepping away from boxing anyway."
A Chilling Warning to Paul
As the December 19 showdown approaches, Joshua has sent a clear message to his social media star opponent. The British boxer isn't just looking for a victory—he's hunting for a knockout.
"It's not a win for me if I just beat him; I need to knock him out," Joshua declared in a recent interview. "I'm going to break his face and break his body. I'm here to prove I'm the better fighter and will do that until I stop fighting."
Joshua elaborated on his aggressive strategy, promising to "come forward and impose myself" while "landing heavy punches and exposing him to certain tricks in boxing that he maybe hasn't seen yet."
The fight, which will stream live on Netflix, represents a significant moment for both fighters. For Paul, it's an opportunity to prove his boxing credentials against an established champion. For Joshua, it's a chance to rebuild his career and position himself for future championship opportunities.
While Lapin remained tight-lipped about whether Usyk will be in Joshua's corner for the Paul fight, he hinted that the Ukrainian champion might appear for future "championship fights." The collaboration marks a new chapter in the relationship between two of boxing's biggest names, transforming former adversaries into strategic partners.
