Usyk Backs AJ to Beat Fury: "He's Future Undisputed Champion"

The heavyweight division has seen some strange bedfellows over the years, but the current dynamic between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua is perhaps the most fascinating shift in recent boxing history. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, the unified heavyweight king didn't just give his prediction for the long-awaited all-British mega-fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua—he essentially declared himself part of Team AJ. When asked for his official pick on the potential blockbuster, Usyk was unequivocal. His words will send shockwaves through the "Greedy Belly" camp. "AJ win. He's future undisputed champion," Usyk told Sky Sports. For context, this is the same Oleksandr Usyk who ended Anthony Joshua’s second reign as heavyweight champion and successfully defended the belts against him in a thrilling rematch. The rivalry inside the ring was intense, but outside of it, a genuine friendship has formed—one that has now moved into the training room. Joshua has uprooted his camp to join Usyk’s training team, a move that Usyk has fully embraced. "We help each other. We help, we work, we're joking, it's a great time. Earlier we were rivals, opponents, now we're friends," Usyk explained. Having solved the Fury puzzle twice himself, the Ukrainian technician is the ultimate asset for Joshua to have in his corner. Usyk’s insight into Fury’s unorthodox movement and ring IQ is unparalleled. With a wink and his signature humor, Usyk added that he believes AJ will do it, "beat my friend 'Greedy Belly.'" The Insider Edge Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed to Sky Sports that negotiations for Joshua vs. Fury are advancing well, and the influence of Team Usyk is already paying dividends. Hearn revealed that Joshua initially went to camp expecting to stay for two weeks and never left. "He phoned me after three days, facetimed me from his bed, basically said: 'I'm not sure about this, I think I'm going to come home,'" Hearn recounted. "When you are out there...and the pound-for-pound No 1 Usyk comes around to the running machine and says: 'Keep going, you can do this, you are going to be a champion again.' That is inspirational stuff." Usyk's Own Pyramid Scheme Before he can fully focus on coaching his new friend to victory, Usyk has business of his own that demands "discipline and focus." On May 23, in the historic shadow of the pyramids in Giza, Egypt, Usyk will put his WBC title on the line against Rico Verhoeven. Verhoeven is a kickboxing legend making a bold leap into professional boxing. It’s a fascinating crossover event, but Usyk issued a stark warning to the kickboxing superstar: "For me it's a regular fight. I am master boxer." While the boxing world clamors for updates on a potential trilogy with Fury or an undisputed clash with the winner of Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley, Usyk is keeping a tunnel vision approach. "Now I have focus only on Rico then we speak about future plans," Usyk stated. "But now it's only May 23, Egypt." One thing is clear: whether he's dismantling kickboxers in Giza or helping Anthony Joshua reclaim his crown, Oleksandr Usyk remains the gravitational center of the heavyweight division. Stay tuned to LatestBoxing.com for more updates on Joshua vs. Fury negotiations and Usyk vs. Verhoeven. Photo Credit: Sky Sports

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