Oleksandr Usyk has shared 24 rounds with both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Like many in the sport, he is going back and forth as to how a fight plays out between the two.
Usyk relieved ‘AJ’ of his unified heavyweight world titles and successfully defended them in a rematch. The wins set up a historic undisputed clash with Tyson Fury, in which the Ukrainian came out on top via split decision.
With both big Brits out of the world title picture for the time-being, they are expected to enter talks to finally face off after years of frustrating obstacle and delays.
Speaking just a day after his second Fury win, Usyk backed Joshua, albeit tentatively, in an interview with Boxing King Media.
“Maybe Anthony Joshua. Maybe [on] points.”
However, speaking with IFL TV more recently, the two-time undisputed champion revealed that he now picks ‘The Gypsy King’ for the heavyweight Battle of Britain.
“Who wins? I don’t know, I think my friend Greedy Belly [Tyson Fury]. Maybe Joshua.”
In terms of form, Fury would enter the contest with a bit more confidence than ‘AJ’ given his last outing was twelve competitive rounds against the Ukrainian great. Joshua, however, was cleaned out by the division’s other champion, Daniel Dubois, in five rounds back in August.
As for negotiations, the ball seems to be firmly in Fury’s court as he takes time away following a disappointing 2024. Joshua has said he is all in to make it happen, and the pair may agree a two-fight deal.
