By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 18, 2026

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has tipped Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury if the long-anticipated all-British heavyweight clash finally materialises, as talks between both camps resume after years of failed negotiations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Ukrainian, who remains unbeaten with a record of 24 wins, including 15 knockouts, has shared the ring with both fighters, recording two victories apiece against Joshua and Fury, placing him in a unique position to assess the potential outcome of the bout.

Usyk has recently been training alongside Joshua in Spain, where the British fighter is working his way back to full fitness following a car accident in December that resulted in the deaths of two of his close friends. Joshua sustained minor injuries in the incident but has since resumed preparations.

Reflecting on Joshua’s current condition and mentality in camp, Usyk said he has been impressed by the former world champion’s work rate and believes he has the qualities required to overcome Fury.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said as quoted by The Independent UK.

Usyk also called on supporters to rally behind Joshua, stressing the importance of encouragement during difficult periods in an athlete’s career. He drew parallels with his own support for his favourite football team, explaining that true fans remain loyal regardless of setbacks.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he added.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

On Joshua’s readiness to return to full competition following the accident, Usyk acknowledged that while the British fighter is close, some caution remains necessary as he continues his recovery.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return.”

While Joshua continues his preparations, his promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that the former world champion is likely to take another fight before facing Fury, with plans for him to remain in Usyk’s training environment for the immediate future.

Hearn explained that Joshua has benefited from the structure and focus provided by the current camp, suggesting that the arrangement could continue for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said as quoted by The Independent UK.

He added that maintaining consistency in training and purpose would be key to Joshua’s resurgence, particularly as he looks to re-establish himself at the top of the heavyweight division.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Meanwhile, Usyk is also preparing for his own high-profile contest, with the unified champion set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23, in a bout scheduled to take place in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt with the WBC heavyweight title on the line.

As discussions over a potential Joshua versus Fury showdown continue, Usyk’s endorsement adds further intrigue to a contest that remains one of the most anticipated match-ups in modern heavyweight boxing.

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 18, 2026

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