As Anthony Joshua prepares for a high-stakes showdown with Tyson Fury later this year, he’s turning to a key figure for support: Oleksandr Usyk. The unified heavyweight champion, who has defeated both Joshua and Fury, is providing valuable guidance as Joshua seeks a strategy to take down Fury in their highly anticipated fight.
Joshua’s journey begins on July 25, when he faces Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While this fight serves as a tune-up, it’s his clash with Fury that has boxing fans on edge. Usyk, who has spent considerable time training with Joshua in Spain and Ukraine, believes that Joshua has the ability to defeat Fury.
“I think AJ wins against Fury,” Usyk shared with BBC Sport. He praised both fighters but emphasized his support for Joshua, saying he “deserves” the win. Usyk’s belief stems from Joshua’s growth in the gym, where he’s noticed key improvements in Joshua’s boxing style.
But Usyk’s support extends beyond just technical advice. He’s also helping Joshua with the mental side of the game, drawing from his own experiences. “We speak about strategy, boxing skills, and psychology,” Usyk explained. “I say, ‘champ, come on, don’t stop.’” This emotional support is invaluable, especially after Joshua took time off following a tragic car crash that took the lives of two of his friends.
Usyk’s empathy with Joshua goes deeper, as both have experienced profound personal loss. Usyk, who has lost friends in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, shared words of encouragement with Joshua, urging him to keep pushing forward: “God gave you one more chance. Take this chance and don’t stop or cry. This is life, pray every day, and God will help you.”
Usyk’s guidance is not just about preparing for a fight—it’s about resilience in the face of adversity. He reminds Joshua to cherish every moment, both in the ring and in life. For Joshua, Usyk’s support is more than just a strategy session; it’s a crucial part of his journey toward redemption.
With Usyk’s help, Joshua is not only focusing on beating Fury but also making the most of the opportunity in front of him. This bond between the two champions could very well be the key to Joshua’s success when he faces Fury later this year.
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