From Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed to Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward, boxing has long shown that rivals can become allies. Creed helped mastermind Balboa’s win over Clubber Lang; Ward later tried to guide Gatti back to past glories, now Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua may be about to do the same.
Joshua recently revealed he will join Usyk’s training camp in the build-up to his eight-round crossover bout with Jake Paul on December 19. Joshua will not have Ben Davison in his corner this time, though the identity of his full time replacement remains unknown.
If Joshua comes through as expected, attention will again shift to a long-awaited British blockbuster with Tyson Fury. The fight’s shelf life may be dwindling, but public demand and media momentum would almost certainly swell were negotiations to restart.
Usyk has already shown the blueprint for beating Fury in their back-to-back fights. The Ukrainian’s elusiveness, speed and sharp pot-shotting nearly stopped the “Gypsy King” in their first meeting, and although the rematch was closer, Usyk still emerged victorious.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk was asked whether he would consider helping Joshua prepare for Fury if the fight is made. The champion was clear with his response.
“Yeah, I help him.”
His translator then added an extra point.
“Two versus one.”
On working with ‘AJ’ in general, the Ukrainian had plenty of praise.
“I like this guy, because this guy is smart. I think this guy has a very big heart. He really loves boxing.”
Finally, Usyk said that the process was about adding to his former rival’s game rather than changing it.
“We not give my style. We, my team, its not only one lion, its only Usyk? No, we have another, different style. I’m southpaw, Anthony is regular. Anthony doesn’t move like me. Listen, we give tools that help Anthony grow. My team with plan, give me what helps me. My team gives plans what helps anyone – not only my plan.”
Usyk recently vacated his WBO heavyweight title but still remains in possession of his WBC, WBA and IBF titles. The Ukrainian is set to return in 2026 and named a former title holder as the man he wants to fight next.
