Anthony Joshua's Gruelling Training Camp with Oleksandr Usyk Ahead of Tyson Fury Fight
Anthony Joshua is pushing his limits in a brutal training camp with Oleksandr Usyk as he gears up for a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring this July. The British heavyweight star is laying the groundwork for a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury scheduled for November, with promoter Eddie Hearn expressing unwavering confidence in Joshua's preparation under Usyk's guidance.
Valencia Training Sessions Reveal Extreme Intensity
Joshua has relocated to Valencia, Spain, to train alongside Usyk, the Ukrainian pound-for-pound number one who has defeated both Joshua and Fury twice in their professional careers. This collaboration marks a significant shift for Joshua, who parted ways with trainer Ben Davison last year and previously had Usyk's team in his corner during his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul last Christmas.
Hearn recently visited the camp and was astounded by the intensity of the workouts. "When I was there, he’d be doing these circuits, like he’s doing these tempo sprints," Hearn recounted. "Most people do those sprints on their own, with nothing else attached; he would do his sprints, then he’d go over and do this kettlebell circuit, then he’d do the sledge – with this big fitness trainer standing on the sledge. Then he’d go back into the sprints. I’m like: ‘What the heck?’"
Usyk's Demanding Regimen and Hearn's Confidence
The training sessions are designed to push Joshua to his absolute limits, with Usyk actively encouraging him throughout. Hearn described a moment where the initial plan of three sets was increased to five, prompting Joshua to joke, "Mate, you’re never coming back!" Hearn observed, "AJ was all out on his heart rate and Usyk was going: ‘Push, push, push.’ I’m watching, going: ‘This is unbelievable, what I’m seeing.’"
Hearn believes this partnership will yield remarkable results, stating, "So, what he’s going to get out of it is going to be amazing. I’ve always been confident he beats Tyson Fury, but I’m so sure he beats Tyson Fury." Usyk, who is set to face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven next month, has publicly backed Joshua to overcome Fury in their potential bout later this year.
Path to the Fury Showdown and Summer Plans
Joshua is on the verge of signing a two-fight deal, with the second fight aimed at finally settling the decade-long rivalry with Fury. Before that, he intends to make his comeback in July, with Hearn suggesting the opponent will be of a similar calibre to Arslanbek Makhmudov, who was recently outpointed by Fury. While Joshua has expressed interest in facing Deontay Wilder this summer, Hearn's comments indicate a strategic approach to building momentum for the Fury clash.
This training camp represents a pivotal moment in Joshua's career, as he combines his star power with Usyk's elite expertise to prepare for one of boxing's most significant fights. The brutal sessions in Valencia are not just about physical conditioning but also about mental fortitude, as Joshua seeks to reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division.
