A New Chapter in British Boxing
Anthony Joshua has resumed training with Oleksandr Usyk, marking a significant shift in their relationship from rivals to allies. This partnership is seen as a revitalising force for the British heavyweight scene. The former adversaries have been training together in Valencia for several weeks, and Joshua recently returned to Spain after watching Tyson Fury’s points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov from ringside at Tottenham Court Stadium on Saturday.
Joshua is currently being set up for a potential showdown against Fury in November, likely at Wembley Stadium. However, before that, he will need to secure a warm-up opponent in July. This will be his first appearance since a tragic car crash in Nigeria in November, which claimed the lives of two close friends. In the next fortnight, he is expected to receive medical clearance to resume full training following injuries sustained in the accident.
Usyk, the WBC, WBA, and IBF world champion, defeated Joshua twice in 2021-22. Despite this, the Ukrainian fighter has now joined forces with Joshua, stating, “If we don’t help each other, we are not people, we are animals.”
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “It just gives him an unbelievable lift. At the moment he’s very happy. Right now, this is really what he needs. He’s worked so hard to get himself physically ready to try and go back to full-time camp. It’s really good for him. When he’s there and he’s focused, he’s got that purpose.”
Hearn continued, “When I was there I watched a session and there were times when AJ was all out on his heart rate and Usyk was going ‘come on champ – push, push, push’. And I’m watching thinking this is unbelievable what I’m seeing. You’ve got pound for pound number one. You’ve got the guy who he beat twice, who’s probably the biggest star in the sport. It’s incredible and what he’s getting out of this is amazing.”
Hearn also noted that Joshua sometimes speaks as if he has another three or five years left in the sport, but he acknowledged that everything can change quickly. “He’ll certainly be there for these two fights this year,” Hearn added.
Negotiations for the biggest fight in British boxing history are ongoing, with both camps expecting it to take place in the autumn.
Joshua recorded Fury’s comeback against Makhmudov on his phone and plans to analyse the footage as he strategises for the downfall of his great rival. “AJ filmed the whole thing. He wasn’t streaming it, it was being filmed from a different angle. He’s been sending me some clips and he’ll watch it over and over and over again,” Hearn said.
Hearn highlighted the significance of the build-up to the Fury fight, saying, “The build up to the Fury fight will be incredible but the fight will be incredible as well. I’m sure it means a lot to Fury, but I know what it means to AJ. He’ll give everything in camp for that fight.”
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