As the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury approaches, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is confident that Usyk will once again emerge victorious. Joshua, who has faced both fighters in the ring, believes the Ukrainian will defeat Fury in their second meeting scheduled for December 21st, repeating his victory from earlier this year.
Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, defeated Fury in a split decision during their first encounter in Riyadh last May, handing Fury his first professional loss while maintaining his own unbeaten record. This victory has made Usyk one of the most respected figures in the sport, and Joshua, who has shared the ring with him twice, believes he will repeat his success in the rematch.
Joshua’s Confidence in Usyk’s Ability
Joshua has no doubts about Usyk’s superiority in the ring, even though he acknowledges that the fight will be tough from the start. The 35-year-old British boxer has faced Usyk twice, both times losing by unanimous decision, and he knows first-hand the skill and intelligence of the Ukrainian fighter. Joshua’s experience with Usyk has only reinforced his belief that the Ukrainian will defeat Fury once again.
“I think the fight will be tough at the beginning, but I feel that Usyk will come out on top again,” Joshua said confidently in an interview with Business Day, facilitated by Queensberry Promotions. His words leave no room for doubt as he expresses his belief that Usyk’s technical superiority will prevail once more.
Joshua’s opinion carries significant weight, given that he has faced both Usyk and Fury in the ring. His two defeats to Usyk, including a loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021, showed Joshua the full extent of Usyk’s talents. In their rematch in Jeddah nearly a year later, Joshua managed to make some adjustments but still fell short against the undefeated Ukrainian.
Usyk vs. Fury: The Stakes Are High
The first Usyk-Fury fight, initially scheduled for October, was delayed due to various reasons, but it is now set for December 21st. The stakes for this bout are incredibly high, as it will decide who holds the title of undisputed heavyweight champion. However, if Fury is victorious, the rivalry may not end there, as a trilogy fight could be in the cards.
Joshua, however, is confident that the outcome will not require a third fight. His unwavering belief in Usyk’s ability to defeat Fury again suggests that he does not foresee a need for the third chapter in this rivalry.
Reflecting on his own encounters with Usyk, Joshua was full of praise for his opponent. “He’s a top-level fighter,” Joshua said. “That’s why I think Usyk is one of the best. That’s why I believe he’ll win.” Joshua’s respect for Usyk is clear, as the Ukrainian has proven himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
A Path to a Joshua-Fury Fight?
While Joshua’s career has been on a bit of a downward trajectory in recent years, including his loss to Daniel Dubois in September, his predictions regarding the Usyk-Fury rematch may open the door for an all-British showdown between him and Fury. The possibility of such a clash has excited boxing fans for years, and a second loss to Usyk for Fury could make the fight between “The Gypsy King” and Joshua more likely than ever.
Joshua’s two losses to Usyk, which cost him his IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles, have been pivotal moments in his career. Despite this, the prospect of him facing Fury — who has long been one of the most dominant forces in heavyweight boxing — remains an enticing proposition for the future of British boxing. If Usyk defeats Fury once again, it could pave the way for a long-awaited showdown between Joshua and Fury, which boxing fans have dreamed of for years.
Joshua’s Thoughts on Usyk’s Strength
Joshua, who has shared the ring with Usyk on two separate occasions, knows better than anyone the immense talent Usyk possesses. Despite his own setbacks, Joshua has seen firsthand the power and technical prowess that Usyk brings to the ring. The Ukrainian’s skillset, coupled with his tactical approach to the fight, is something that Joshua believes will give him the edge against Fury once more.
As the rematch between Usyk and Fury draws closer, Joshua is unequivocal in his belief that Usyk will leave Riyadh as the undisputed heavyweight champion. “I have no doubt that Usyk will win again,” Joshua emphasized. His confidence in Usyk’s ability stems not only from Usyk’s previous victories but also from the Ukrainian’s consistency and adaptability in the ring.
Looking Ahead: Joshua’s Future
While the immediate focus is on the Usyk-Fury rematch, the outcome of this fight could have significant implications for Joshua’s own future. A victory for Usyk could lead to an opportunity for Joshua to face Fury in a career-defining clash. If Fury loses, the British fans will finally get the fight they’ve been waiting for: a massive domestic showdown between the two heavyweights.
Joshua’s career may be in a state of flux, but his belief in Usyk’s ability to defeat Fury once again suggests that the next few months could be pivotal for both the Ukrainian and British boxing scenes. As the world watches the rematch between Usyk and Fury, the stage could be set for the fight that British boxing fans have been dreaming of for years.
