Anthony Joshua reunites with Oleksandr Usyk’s training camp as he intensifies preparations for a return to the boxing ring later this year.
Preparation for Recent Bout
Usyk’s team previously assisted Joshua in readying for his December fight against Jake Paul. The former two-time heavyweight champion delivered a sixth-round knockout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami.
Setback from Tragic Accident
Joshua targeted a February comeback, followed by a potential summer matchup with Tyson Fury. Days after the Christmas bout, a car crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Lateef ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Joshua gradually resumes gym work and now escalates his routine with trainer Iegor Golub ahead of this year’s return.
Collaboration with Golub and Usyk
Golub, a key figure in Usyk’s fight preparations, began coaching Joshua after the Brit parted with Ben Davison post his 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois.
Golub shared Instagram photos of Joshua sharpening skills on the heavy bag and boosting conditioning with jump ropes. He captioned the post: “Back to training.”
In another social media clip, Usyk demonstrates kettlebell technique tips to Joshua.
The duo clashed twice in 2021 and 2022, with Usyk emerging victorious both times, yet they now share a strong friendship.
Upcoming Bouts
Usyk ramps up training for a May clash against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
Joshua eyes a summer return, with Dillian Whyte mentioned as a possible opponent. Recent speculation suggested a deal with Tyson Fury for later this year or early 2027, but promoter Eddie Hearn dismisses it.
Hearn states: “There is absolutely nothing signed with Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury next. There is nothing agreed.”
He adds: “There have been conversations – deep conversations prior to the accident – that he was going to fight Jake Paul, then fight in February or March in Saudi Arabia, then fight Tyson Fury. Then obviously the accident happened.”
