A New Chapter for Anthony Joshua
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Anthony Joshua, has revealed that the British boxer has experienced a significant boost in his training after working with Oleksandr Usyk in Ukraine. This partnership has been described as “incredible” and has given Joshua an “unbelievable lift” according to Hearn.
Joshua’s journey back to the ring began when he started training with Usyk in the latter’s home country. This move came four months after a tragic car accident in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two of his teammates. At that time, the future of Joshua’s career seemed uncertain, but he quickly returned to the gym and joined Usyk in Ukraine, where the unified heavyweight champion has been pushing him hard.
The relationship between Joshua and Usyk is particularly interesting given their in-ring history. Usyk defeated Joshua in two world-title fights, first dethroning him in 2021 and then retaining the unified belts in their 2022 rematch. Despite this history, the two have formed a strong bond through their joint training sessions.
Hearn shared some vivid details about the training sessions, describing how Joshua was doing intense circuits, including sprints, kettle-bell exercises, and using a sledgehammer with a large fitness trainer standing on it. Hearn was amazed by the intensity of the workouts, noting that Joshua would push himself to the limit, often with Usyk encouraging him to keep going.
“The times when AJ was all out on his heart rate and Usyk was going: ‘Push, push, push.’ I’m watching, going: ‘This is f***ing unbelievable, what I’m seeing.’ You’ve got the pound-for-pound No 1, you’ve got the guy who he beat twice – who’s probably the biggest star in the sport – and it’s incredible.”
Hearn also expressed confidence that Joshua will be able to defeat Tyson Fury, another ex-heavyweight champion. The negotiations between Joshua and Fury are ongoing, with both fighters showing interest in a potential bout.
On Saturday, Fury ended his fifth retirement by boxing Arslanbek Makhmudov, outpointing the Russian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Joshua was in attendance, but he declined to enter the ring. However, he did express his willingness to fight Fury in the near future.
Future Plans and Training
Hearn mentioned that Joshua will likely face another opponent before challenging Fury. He also indicated that Joshua will train with Usyk for both upcoming bouts. Hearn emphasized the importance of Joshua’s focus and purpose during his training sessions in Ukraine.
“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously,” said Hearn. “The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be [training with Usyk] for those two fights, and look: sometimes [Joshua] talks like he’s got another three or five years in this sport, but you can get beat and everything changes, you know? But right now, I think it’s really what he needs.”
Hearn also highlighted the physical preparation that Joshua has undergone to return to full-time training. After a brief break, Joshua has resumed his training and is currently in Ukraine, where he is focusing on his goals.
The Independent also spoke to Usyk, who predicted that Joshua will beat Fury if they finally meet in the ring. Usyk, who has two decision wins over Fury, said: “I know he wins, but I don’t know [how]. I looked at how Anthony is training, he’s a machine […] Listen, it’s not a good performance [by Fury, against Makhmudov] for me, but Tyson wins, [so] it’s good.”
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