Oleksandr Usyk has spoken about his blossoming friendship with Anthony Joshua, revealing that they have been training together as he prepares to support the British heavyweight in his corner for a proposed clash with Tyson Fury.
Despite defeating Joshua twice to become heavyweight world champion, Usyk said their relationship has grown stronger, prompting him to invite the former champion to join his training camp.
“AJ is a very kind guy; he supports me every time. I told him, ‘Brother, if you need my help, I can help.’
“He came to train with me for two weeks. We trained hard together, sparring, drills, work with a partner, punch and defence. The swimming pool sessions helped him a lot too,” Usyk said.
The Ukrainian believes the sessions benefited both fighters, stressing that the focus was on improving each other rather than competing over who came out on top. He also joked about their competitive races during swimming drills.
“It is not finished for who wins; it helps each other. AJ is very smart and hungry for work; he wants to learn more. It is discipline. If you do not work, it is a problem,” he added.
Usyk dethroned Joshua with back-to-back victories four years ago, but the rivalry has since evolved into a close partnership.
The 39-year-old has compared their relationship to the famous Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed alliance in the Rocky films.
He has repeatedly praised Joshua for his humility, respect and willingness to improve, describing the Briton as a fighter who handled defeat with dignity.
Having relinquished his IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles in June, Usyk is now eyeing Deontay Wilder in what he says will be the final bout of his professional career.
Although Wilder’s form has dipped in recent years, the Ukrainian still considers the American a dangerous opponent.
Usyk also believes Joshua will emerge victorious when he eventually faces Fury, predicting the former two-time heavyweight champion will secure a knockout victory inside six rounds.
“AJ knocks him out in six rounds, right hand.”
