Tyson Fury has given his honest thoughts on Anthony Joshua training with Oleksandr Usyk, while also assessing the likelihood of their long-talked-about domestic dustup.
‘AJ’ joined forces with Team Usyk ahead of his last outing, which resulted in a sixth-round knockout over Jake Paul in December.
This was Joshua’s first contest since his fifth-round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, with many expecting the 36-year-old to face a more credible opponent earlier this year.
Any plans for a rapid turnaround, however, were swiftly scuppered after the Brit was involved in a tragic car crash, where two of his closest friends lost their lives.
The devastating news left many wondering whether he would even resume his career, until it was gleaned that Joshua is currently training with Usyk.
Having returned to the gym, promoter Eddie Hearn suspects his charge will enter the ring this summer, before targeting a potential clash with Fury.
‘The Gypsy King’ has not fought since 2024, when he suffered two points defeats to Usyk, but is gearing up to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.
After that, the 37-year-old has told Sky Sports that he would be open to a possible Joshua showdown, teasing the recruitment of a heavyweight legend as his trainer after saying his rival’s new set up ‘won’t help.’
“If it’s a fight to be made, let’s get it done. Let me get Makhmudov out of the way, and we’re on.
“[It’s] good to see the guy back in training camp. He’s had a bit of a tough time lately, so I’ll just give him space.
“Whatever he wants to do, he can do. [But I’ve] always been the same: Anyone can get it. I hope [Usyk] is in the corner.
“It won’t help him at all. I punched the head off Usyk, and I’ll punch the head off ‘AJ’ as well. I’ll bring Lennox [Lewis] in my corner.”
While they train at the same facility in Spain, Usyk is yet to appear in Joshua’s corner but could play a more influential role in his next outing, having said he will likely be there for ‘championship’ bouts.
