Anthony Joshua Reveals Training Insights with Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, has opened up about his training experiences with Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. According to the British boxer, their collaboration in the gym is not about competition; rather, both fighters focus on training and supporting each other, which undoubtedly has a positive impact on their professional development.

"It would be foolish to say that I am better than him. Of course, I may win a fight in the future, but for now, he is better than me. I have to give him credit," Joshua stated, highlighting his respect for Usyk, who has defeated him twice in the ring. The boxer added that his decision to train with someone who has already bested him showcases his willingness to learn and grow.

Joshua also noted that humility and openness to new approaches are crucial in their sport. "What made me put humility first and go train with someone who has beaten me twice, and be ready to let him train me and show his approach?" he asked, emphasizing that in boxing, it is essential not only to compete but also to learn from one another.

"In our sport, it’s not that I don’t like him, but we are just competing against each other. And I am a very, very competitive person. So when that took a back seat, we decided: let’s just put our energy into training and help each other in the gym," Joshua added, explaining how they managed to overcome rivalry and focus on shared goals.

He also mentioned that during their training sessions, they do not always work together, but the presence of each other in the gym creates a unique atmosphere. "Even in the little things: we don’t do everything together — for example, he doesn’t hit the bag when I’m hitting, or vice versa. But just being in that environment — when there are two hardworking and very competitive individuals — you feed off that energy," Joshua shared, underscoring the importance of support and mutual assistance.

Recently, Joshua visited Ukraine for the first time, arriving in Kyiv at Usyk's invitation. This visit marked a significant event for both boxers, as they had the opportunity to exchange experiences and impressions. After the visit, Joshua expressed his feelings, emphasizing that Ukraine made a strong impression on him and reaching out to Ukrainian fans to show his support.

It is worth noting that Usyk and Joshua have faced each other twice at the professional level. Their first bout took place in September 2021 in London, where Oleksandr claimed victory and became the heavyweight champion for the first time. The rematch, which occurred in August 2022 in Saudi Arabia, also ended in Usyk's favor, further solidifying his status in the boxing world. Earlier, Deontay Wilder issued a challenge to Joshua following his victory over Derek Chisora, indicating the ongoing activity and intensity in the world of professional boxing.