Oleksandr Usyk has confidently predicted that Anthony Joshua will overcome Tyson Fury when the two British heavyweights finally face off in November. The long-awaited clash, which has been a decade in the making, was officially confirmed after both fighters signed a deal.
Fight Confirmed by Boxing Chief
Boxing promoter Turki Alalsheikh announced the fight on social media, stating: "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed." Joshua later confirmed he has signed a multi-fight agreement. Before facing Fury, Joshua will take on Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 25. The 36-year-old has been training with Usyk as part of his recovery from a serious car accident in Nigeria.
Usyk's Verdict
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Usyk expressed his belief in Joshua's abilities. "I believe. I looked at how Anthony is training, he’s a machine. But now I think Anthony needs help," said Usyk. He urged fans to support Joshua, comparing it to his own loyalty to Dynamo Kyiv football club. "Sometimes my team lose, but I don’t say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’ I say: ‘Things happen, you must work.’ I pray. I say it’s normal, because it’s a sport." Usyk criticised negative fans, adding: "Sometimes people are negative. They’re not family, they’re bulls***. Listen, we must help each other. If we don’t help each other, we are not people, we are animals."
Knockout Prediction?
When asked if Joshua would knock out Fury, Usyk replied: "I have no idea. I know he wins, but I don’t know." Usyk also commented on Fury's recent unanimous decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April. "Listen, it’s not a good performance for me, but Tyson wins, [so] it’s good. It’s normal. Listen, I support Tyson Fury, you know? I get a lot of messages from my acquaintances and my friends: 'Oh, your friend won.' It’s good. [But] I’m nervous, because I watched only six rounds – the first six rounds, but then I went to church. I said: 'Oh, be careful, hands up.'"
