Another three weeks to go for the title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. In comparison to the high-decibel Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney match, the lead-up to the crown heavyweight division’s first undisputed king in 25 years has been a rather timid affair. Probably that’s what happens before two giants clash. However, the sound of silence hasn’t dampened the spirits of avid followers from engaging in speculation, pondering aloud who will ultimately emerge as the victor. For someone like Anthony Joshua, it’s rather subjective. He has exchanged jabs with one of the champions, not once but twice.

The two losses he suffered during the fights against Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 remain watershed moments in Joshua’s otherwise glittering resume. His former foe now enters the ring for what could be the most critical contest of his professional career. So in an interview, ‘AJ’ shared his two bits on the side where the coin might fall on May 18.

Anthony Joshua: It’s Usyk All The Way

Anthony Joshua was in conversation with talkSPORT‘s Jon Jackson in the lead-up to the Formula E Monaco E-Prix. Taking up the Fury-Usyk fight, the sports broadcaster asked, “…that is the next big fight coming up, Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury; just tell me, how’s that gonna go?” Upfront, ‘AJ’ first clarified. His fighting experience remained limited to bouts with the Ukrainian unified champion. Hence, he can only speak from that perspective.

“Well, look, I’ve fought Oleksandr Usyk, so I can go only speak on what I have experienced from him. Phenomenal fighter does everything to a tee, and I would say he is going to do a really good job,” said Anthony Joshua.

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In the same breath, he added a lack of exposure to a face-off against Tyson Fury. “I have never fought Tyson Fury, so I can’t really speak on how he will perform or what it is like to face him,” he said. Then finally concluded, “So only speaking on what I know, I would have to say Oleksandr Usyk will be victorious.”

On September 25, 2021, at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk met for the first time. Surprising everyone, the Ukrainian heavyweight completely outboxed the English boxer and took away his unified titles.

Hard Luck to High Stakes 

Roughly a year later, they came together for a rematch. But this time it took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the King Abdullah Sports City on August 25. In comparison to their first match, the sequel was a bit more closely contested. There was a remarkable change in Joshua’s fighting. However, he still couldn’t outperform Usyk, losing the fight by a split decision.

Regarding a fight with Tyson Fury, several attempts were made to bring around two of the biggest names in British boxing. Sadly, none came to fruition. In 2022, a fight between ‘AJ’ and ‘The Gypsy King’ appeared on the horizon. Despite efforts, the negotiations stalled without advancing. There is a good chance of their fight coming about this year. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh seems quite interested to see a fight happening between Fury and Joshua.

Given that, under his auspices as the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Saudi Arabia, many of boxing’s big fights have already taken place, the possibilities of the all-British clash remain high. More so, Anthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou during the ‘Knockout Chaos’ on March 8. So, per the earlier talks, the winner of the match has a good chance of meeting the winner of the Fury-Usyk bout. However, the two heavyweight champions have agreed upon a rematch clause; how the match with Joshua would turn out remains to be seen.

Do you agree with ‘AJ’s contention? Between Fury and Usyk, who is your favorite to win on May 18? Please share your views with us in the comments below.