Usyk Backs Joshua to Defeat Fury — And He's Helping Him Do It

Usyk Backs Joshua to Defeat Fury — And He's Helping Him Do It

Oleksandr Usyk is not just predicting an Anthony Joshua victory over Tyson Fury — he is personally helping make it happen. The unified heavyweight champion has been working closely with Joshua in recent months, sharing tactical insight and psychological guidance ahead of what promises to be one of boxing's most anticipated showdowns.

Joshua's Road Back to the Top

Anthony Joshua is set to lace up his gloves on 25 July in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will face Kristian Prenga in what many consider a warm-up bout. Beyond that, Joshua has already signed on the dotted line to fight long-standing rival Tyson Fury later this year in an all-British heavyweight spectacle.

In preparation, Joshua has been spending quality training time with Usyk — the man who defeated him twice — in both Spain and Ukraine. Far from holding any grudges, Usyk has embraced the role of mentor and ally.

Usyk's Verdict: Joshua Wins

Speaking to BBC Sport, the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion left no ambiguity about where his loyalties lie heading into the Fury clash.

"In my opinion, AJ wins against Fury," Usyk stated confidently. "Fury is an unbelievable fighter and a very dangerous guy, but I look at how Anthony works and how he has changed. I like Fury — he is my greedy belly best friend — he's an amazing fighter, but I want Anthony to win. He deserves it."

Usyk views Joshua's upcoming bout against Prenga as little more than official sparring and does not foresee any complications. His primary focus, when it comes to Joshua, is preparing him for the real test that Fury presents.

Strategy, Skills, and Psychology

With Usyk himself preparing to defend his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven on 23 May in Egypt, he plans to bring Joshua into his training camp over the coming weeks — blending their preparations for mutual benefit.

"We will help him in training," Usyk explained. "We speak about strategy, boxing skills and psychology. We speak about our fights, and I say, 'Champ, come on, don't stop.'" It is a partnership built not just on boxing know-how, but on a deep personal bond forged through shared experience.

Beyond Boxing: A Message of Resilience

Joshua's return to the sport comes after a turbulent period off the canvas. While he scored a comfortable win over YouTube personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, he later suffered a devastating personal tragedy when two close friends died in a fatal car accident in which he was also a passenger. The incident forced him to step back from boxing to recover both mentally and physically.

Usyk, who has endured profound loss of his own amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, found a powerful point of connection with Joshua's grief.

"I said, 'Listen, 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. Whatever you need, I will help,'" Usyk recalled.

The Ukrainian champion reflected on his own heartbreak with quiet strength. "It's hard, but I think my friends now are like angels. Every day I pray for these guys — this is life. I don't know what waits for me and my team tomorrow, but I continue to work, pray and help. If God gives you a gift every day, then appreciate it. It's hard, but you must continue to live because God gives you that."

What's Next

With Usyk in his corner strategically and spiritually, Joshua appears to be entering the most important chapter of his career with renewed focus and formidable support. All eyes will first turn to Riyadh on 25 July before the heavyweight world braces for the Fury showdown that could redefine British boxing history.