In a move that has shaken the foundations of the boxing world, Anthony Joshua has announced he is teaming up with his former nemesis, Oleksandr Usyk, to prepare for a blockbuster showdown against Jake Paul.
The two-time heavyweight champion confirmed the shocking alliance during Friday’s press conference, revealing he has already begun training with the Ukrainian’s team in Spain to ensure he is in peak condition to crush the influencer-turned-boxer.
“I have been invited to train with Team Usyk,” Joshua told reporters. “He is the best in the world… I have been training with them for a few weeks.”
The heavyweight clash, scheduled for December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, was hastily arranged after Paul’s original opponent, Gervonta Davis, canceled their bout.
The announcement confirmed the dramatic change in Joshua’s entourage
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a staggering £140 million prize pot set to be split evenly between the British heavyweight icon and the 28-year-old social media sensation.
The decision to join Usyk’s camp marks a dramatic shift for Joshua, who parted ways with trainer Ben Davison following his devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois 14 months ago.
Rumors of the link-up began swirling after Joshua was spotted ringside with Usyk and his camp manager, Sergey Lapin, during a recent Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fight. Having lost to Usyk twice, Joshua is now hoping to tap into the very expertise that once dismantled him.
For Paul, the news of Joshua’s new training regime was a wake-up call, but not a deterrent.
Paul wants to face the best version of Joshua
“He is training with the best in the world… so we expect nothing less,” Paul admitted, before issuing a bold threat. “I want the best version. It is a big mistake to look past this. Don’t arrange flights and hotels, I am knocking this guy out.”
The eight-round professional contest will be fought with 10oz gloves, marking Joshua’s first return to the ring since his loss to Dubois. With a potential Tyson Fury fight looming in 2026, “AJ” is looking to rebuild his career by silencing the loudest voice in crossover boxing once and for all.
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