Usyk opens up on Joshua friendship

Oleksandr Usyk has opened up on his growing friendship with Anthony Joshua, revealing that the pair train competitively together as he prepares to help the Briton in his corner for a mooted showdown with Tyson Fury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Usyk, who beat Joshua in both their meetings, said the relationship has deepened since the two began working together, with the Ukrainian offering to bring Joshua into 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 former undisputed heavyweight champion said the arrangement has been mutually beneficial, insisting the sessions have sharpened Joshua’s skills, and he spoke jokingly about how they raced during the swimming sessions.

“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’s two victories over Joshua ended the Briton’s reign as heavyweight world champion four years ago, but the 39-year-old has since taken his former opponent under his wing, likening their bond to the Rocky and Apollo Creed dynamic in the Rocky film franchise.

He has previously described Joshua as respectful, humble and hard-working, and credited him with showing dignity in defeat.

The Ukrainian, who vacated his IBF, WBA and WBC titles in June, is now targeting Deontay Wilder for what he says will be the final fight of his career, describing the American as a dangerous opponent despite his recent decline.

Usyk has also backed Joshua to beat Fury when the pair eventually meet, predicting a stoppage inside six rounds, saying, “AJ knocks him out in six rounds, right hand.”