Unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk predicts Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury in a possible matchup.
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed his belief that Anthony Joshua will triumph over Tyson Fury if the two heavyweights eventually face off.
A matchup between the British fighters seems imminent, as discussions between both parties have resumed after years of the bout not materializing.
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) holds two victories each against both Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) and Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs).
The Ukrainian has recently invited Joshua to his training camp in Spain as the Brit works towards regaining full fitness following the car accident in December that resulted in the deaths of two of his close friends.
Joshua suffered minor injuries in the incident. Usyk stated that he believes his new training partner will prevail in the match against Fury and has encouraged his supporters to back Joshua.
“I have faith. I observe how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk told reporters on Tuesday.
“Now I think Anthony requires support. Those who stand by AJ, we must say: ‘Yes, we believe!’ Listen … I’m a supporter of [Ukrainian football team] Dynamo Kyiv. I’ve been a fan for a long time. Occasionally, my team loses, but I don’t say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’
“I say: ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport.’
“Sometimes, fans support a team or fighter, and when the fighter loses, they become negative. You are not a true fan. We must assist one another. If we don’t support each other, we are not human. We are animals.
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When asked if he believed Joshua was prepared to return to the ring following December’s accident, Usyk replied: “I think yes, but we need a little more time because we know AJ has issues with his body after the crash, but yes, he can [return].”
Usyk is also gearing up for his own fight alongside Joshua, facing kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
The WBC heavyweight title will be contested, with the bout scheduled to take place in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
