Oleksandr Usyk Backs Anthony Joshua's Tyson Fury Comeback with Coaching and Round-Six Prediction

Oleksandr Usyk has shifted from opponent to mentor for Anthony Joshua, joining his coaching team and publicly predicting a knockout victory over Tyson Fury in the sixth round with a right-hand punch. The partnership marks a significant development in heavyweight boxing, with the former undisputed champion investing his expertise in Joshua's comeback campaign ahead of the major British heavyweight showdown.

Coaching Partnership Takes Shape

Joshua and Usyk, who have faced each other twice in recent years, began collaborating last summer. The 36-year-old British heavyweight recently trained alongside the 39-year-old Ukrainian champion in preparation for his comeback bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia. During that session, Joshua experienced firsthand how Usyk's elite training camp operates.

The British fighter revealed that Usyk's team emphasized raising his performance standards. Joshua explained that his new mentors encouraged him to treat exceptional performances as routine rather than reserve them for high-pressure moments. The coaching philosophy centers on achieving consistency in the gym so that fighting at peak level requires no additional pressure or desperation.

Usyk's Public Confidence

Beyond the training camp, Usyk has made a bold public declaration about Joshua's prospects. The Ukrainian told media outlets that Joshua will defeat Fury through knockout in round six, delivered by a right-hand punch. This prediction carries weight given Usyk's own record as a dominant heavyweight champion and his intimate knowledge of Joshua's capabilities.

Usyk framed his decision to coach Joshua in personal terms, referring to the Briton as his "brother." He emphasized that Joshua's willingness to learn and adapt—to view mistakes as fuel for improvement rather than setbacks—made him worthy of the investment. Joshua has won 29 of his 33 professional bouts, with 26 victories by knockout, providing a foundation for Usyk's optimism.

Road to Fury Showdown

Joshua has already signed contracts to face Tyson Fury, though negotiations continue regarding the fight's location. Joshua's contractual terms require the bout to take place in the United Kingdom, while American broadcasters and organizers prefer a U.S. venue to accommodate viewing schedules. Both fighters have recently competed, with Joshua stopping Prenga in two rounds and Fury defeating Mariusz Wach in seven rounds.