Boxing Wire

Tag: Oleksandr Usyk

  • Oleksandr Usyk Delivers Four-Word Verdict On Fury vs. Joshua

    Oleksandr Usyk Delivers Four-Word Verdict On Fury vs. Joshua

    Oleksandr Usyk has delivered a pointed message to Tyson Fury while making his prediction for the Anthony Joshua fight crystal clear.

    Speaking with Ring Magazine, Usyk was asked whether Fury could beat Joshua in a potential matchup between the two heavyweight names. His answer was brief and direct.

    “AJ will win. AJ will beat you.”

    The comment carries added weight given that Usyk defeated Joshua twice in their heavyweight title fights in 2022, making him one of the most credible voices on Joshua’s performance at the elite level. The two are now sharing a training camp ahead of Usyk’s May 23 crossover fight against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, with Joshua joining Usyk’s camp and the pair training on staggered daily schedules.

    Usyk also reacted to Fury’s comeback win over Arslanbek Makhmudov last Saturday, saying he watched the first six rounds before leaving for church. He confirmed he heard Fury’s post-fight call for a trilogy but made clear that the conversation has to wait until after his own fight.

    “I heard Tyson say, ‘Hey, maybe trilogy for us, I’m ready.’ But after my fight with Rico, because now my focus is only May 23rd.”

    Rather than dismissing Fury’s return to the ring, Usyk framed it as a positive development for the sport, while also noting that the current generation of heavyweight names is approaching the end of its window.

    “Tyson is a crazy man, but come back, four or five times. Tyson back. It’s good now. It’s needed. Needed player. Because all of us heavyweights, I think we have one, two years and the era changes. Young guys come. We go rest, play soccer, golf, drink beer.”

    Usyk has previously stated he has approximately three fights remaining in his career: the Verhoeven bout, the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, and a potential trilogy with Fury. A Joshua and Fury fight could reshuffle that timeline, but Usyk’s prediction on who wins that matchup was unambiguous.

  • Usyk Demands Billion Dollars from Fury for Heavyweight Trilogy

    Usyk Demands Billion Dollars from Fury for Heavyweight Trilogy

    Oleksandr Usyk has named his price for a third fight with Tyson Fury, and it isn’t cheap. The unified heavyweight champion told The Stomping Ground in London that “Greedy Belly” will need to back up his talk with a nine-zero payday.

    “Listen. Greedy belly. Give me billion dollars. You take trilogy,” Usyk said.

    The number is a direct shot at Fury’s own history of floating massive purse demands for big fights. Usyk delivered it with a smile, but the message landed: if Fury wants a third crack, he can fund it himself.

    Usyk Unbothered by the “Blown-Up Cruiserweight” Talk

    Fury’s camp has leaned on the “blown-up cruiserweight” line throughout both fight weeks. Usyk, now 24-0 with 15 knockouts and holding The Ring, WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, doesn’t appear to be losing sleep over it.

    “Maybe I don’t know. Listen, it’s now it’s my opponent, but I not feel bad. Okay. Listen, I happy,” Usyk said.

    The composure tracks with how he’s handled every round of Fury-camp shots, before, during, and after their two fights in Riyadh.

    Backing Anthony Joshua to Beat “Greedy Belly”

    The warmth Usyk showed toward Anthony Joshua, a man he’s also beaten twice, was the other headline. Joshua has been training alongside Usyk in camp, and the Ukrainian sees a future undisputed champion in him.

    “AJ, it’s a future undisputed champion. My Bratton, you know Bratton? Bro, your brother, your bro.”

    Asked directly who wins if Joshua and Fury finally share a ring, Usyk didn’t hedge.

    “I don’t know who wins the fight. AJ. Really? Yes, of course. AJ win.”

    The endorsement carries weight. Eddie Hearn has already confirmed a two-fight deal on the table for Joshua that includes a July warmup and Fury in November.

    On Fury vs. Makhmudov

    Fury returned from a 16-month layoff on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking a wide unanimous decision over Arslanbek Makhmudov on scores of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109. Usyk watched the same fight most fans did, one where the finish never came.

    “Tyson win. It’s a good. Listen, it’s win. It’s not lost. But maybe a lot of people want to do Tyson knock him out. I’m too.”

    Fury used his post-fight mic time to call out Joshua for a Battle of Britain later this year. Joshua refused to step in the ring for the face-off and stared him down instead.

    Style Points

    The interview opened with Usyk getting a compliment on his outfit. The reply was pure Usyk.

    “Stone Island, it’s a style.”

    Usyk, 39, returns to the ring on May 23 in Egypt to defend his WBC title against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza. Anything with Fury, if it ever materializes, waits until after that.

  • Hearn on Rico vs. Usyk: “Deluded” but Don’t Count Him Out

    Hearn on Rico vs. Usyk: “Deluded” but Don’t Count Him Out

    Eddie Hearn thinks Rico Verhoeven needs to be “deluded” to believe he can beat Oleksandr Usyk at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23, but he’s not ruling it out entirely. Speaking with talkSPORT Boxing at the Glory in Giza press event in Egypt, the Matchroom promoter gave a blunt but respectful assessment of Rico’s chances.

    “He’s a big character, he’s a big lump, and he can really punch,” Hearn said. “He’s got hands like shovels. But it’s like you’ve got to be deluded to think you can pull this off.”

    Tom Aspinall Vouches for Rico’s Power

    Hearn revealed that UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who trains regularly with Verhoeven, gave him a private assessment of the kickboxing star’s abilities.

    “When I spoke to Tom Aspinall, he trains with Rico a lot and he’s like, ‘Mate, let me tell you something. I’m not saying he has the skills to compete with Usyk, but my god, can he punch, and he’s strong as an ox,’” Hearn said. “He’s got Peter Fury in the corner, he’s got a lot of good brains around him.”

    Aspinall’s endorsement carries weight given that he operates across both combat sports worlds. The UFC champion’s testimony focused on raw physical attributes rather than technical boxing ability, which aligns with the general view that Rico’s path to victory runs through his size and power advantage rather than skill.

    The Ngannou Precedent

    Hearn acknowledged his own track record of underestimating crossover fighters. He pointed to the Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury fight as a cautionary example.

    “I didn’t think Francis Ngannou had a chance against Tyson Fury, and I thought he beat him in that fight,” Hearn said. “It’s an unconventional style that could cause some problems to the guy that’s mastered all styles in Alexander Usyk.”

    That comparison matters. Ngannou, with no professional boxing background, dropped Fury and pushed him to a contested split decision. Rico brings significantly more striking experience than Ngannou did, plus the advantage of training under Peter Fury, who has worked with heavyweight champions.

    A Pyramid to Climb

    Despite leaving the door open, Hearn’s overall verdict was clear.

    “He’s got a pyramid to climb on May the 23rd and I’m not sure he can do it,” Hearn said. “But in this division, it’s probably the only division where something crazy could happen, because these are big guys that can really punch.”

    Hearn also praised the scale of the event itself, calling it “vision on another level as a spectacle” after seeing the production specifications for the Pyramids venue. The card also features Hamzah Sheeraz in a world title fight and Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov.

    Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Glory in Giza takes place on May 23, 2026 at the Pyramids of Giza. The event streams on DAZN.

  • Rico Verhoeven Rejects Underdog Label, Predicts He’ll Beat Usyk

    Rico Verhoeven Rejects Underdog Label, Predicts He’ll Beat Usyk

    Rico Verhoeven does not want anyone calling him a heavy underdog with nothing to lose. In an interview with Ring Magazine ahead of his WBC heavyweight title challenge against Oleksandr Usyk on May 23, the kickboxing champion made his intentions clear.

    “There’s definitely something to lose. I’m not even thinking about losing. I’m going to win. And when I win, I’ll write history.”

    “Just a Man With Two Arms and Two Legs”

    Usyk carries one of boxing’s most intimidating reputations: unbeaten, undisputed at cruiserweight, and unified at heavyweight. Verhoeven is not interested in being intimidated.

    “He’s like the unbeatable guy. What an opportunity I have to show that he’s not that unbeatable. For me, it’s just a man with two arms and two legs. I’m going to go out there and showcase who Rico Verhoeven is, the former undisputed kickboxing champion.”

    He addressed the near-universal skepticism from the boxing world the same way: by ignoring it entirely.

    “I don’t go off on anybody else’s opinion. I don’t think about it. Everybody has their right to their opinion. It’s just up to me to prove you wrong. That’s it.”

    Pressure Is Not New

    Some fighters in Verhoeven’s position would lean into the underdog framing. He rejected it outright.

    “I’m not putting myself like, ‘I’m the big underdog, so there is nothing to lose.’ No.”

    Verhoeven spent the better part of a decade as the man with the target on his back in kickboxing. He sees direct parallels with Usyk’s position at the top of heavyweight boxing.

    “I put the pressure on me. He has the target on his back, he’s been having the target on his back for so many years. I had the same. I’ve been so used to the big lights, the sold-out arenas, all the media attention, the pictures, the interviews. I’m used to that pressure. I’m used to that because I’ve been doing it for the last decade.”

    On fight night, he expects the size difference to play a decisive role. Verhoeven will enter the ring at roughly 125 kg, some 20 kilograms heavier than the champion.

    “As soon as I clip him, he’s going to feel that, because it’s going to be at least a 20-kilo difference.”

    Usyk vs. Verhoeven takes place May 23, 2026 at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, streaming live on DAZN.

  • Usyk and Verhoeven Face Off in London Ahead of Pyramids Clash

    Usyk and Verhoeven Face Off in London Ahead of Pyramids Clash

    Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven came face to face Tuesday at the official launch press conference for “Glory in Giza,” their WBC heavyweight title fight set for May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Ring Magazine, will stream exclusively on DAZN.

    Verhoeven’s team originated the crossover concept, pitching “undisputed vs. undisputed” to promoters. A fight with Anthony Joshua was initially lined up but fell through following a tragic accident. The Usyk matchup materialized shortly after. Actor Jason Statham is credited as one of the early backers of the crossover idea, with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh ultimately greenlighting the event.

    Usyk: Three Fights Left

    Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) said he chose this fight because he wanted to do something for himself for once, rather than what was expected of him. He confirmed he has three fights remaining in boxing: Verhoeven, then the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, then a third fight with Tyson Fury.

    When asked about Fury potentially fighting Anthony Joshua instead, Usyk said he would “stay back and watch as a fan.” He picked Joshua as the “future undisputed champion” in that hypothetical. On Verhoeven’s knockout prediction, Usyk dismissed it flatly: “A bad prediction. We’ll see.” His promise for May 23: “Wonderful. Wonderful winner.”

    Coach Yakob Chitsky said the team does not focus heavily on the opponent anymore. Usyk is at a level where the real challenge is maintaining an effective training process. His motivation now comes from training itself.

    Rico: Upset the World

    Verhoeven, the longtime GLORY kickboxing heavyweight champion, acknowledged he is a massive underdog but framed the fight as a chance to “upset the world and write history.” He argued he brings a different puzzle for Usyk: kickboxing angles Usyk has never encountered, combined with a significant size and weight advantage (roughly 125 kg, about 20 kg heavier than the champion).

    His predicted path to victory? A unanimous points decision. He called it ambitious but worth aiming for. He also stated that if he lands his best clean punch, Usyk goes down due to the weight difference.

    Manager Kareem Aria said Verhoeven’s focus level is no different from any other fight. He has always been this driven, but acknowledged Rico must be “200% of himself” against the best heavyweight in the world.

    Coach Peter Fury, who has worked with Verhoeven for about 15 years on boxing, confirmed Rico turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere to take this fight. He is not coming for a paycheck. Fury called Usyk the best heavyweight in the world while insisting “anything can happen when that bell goes.”

    The Face-Off

    Former opponents Tony Bellew and Malik Scott provided analysis during the face-off. Both predicted Usyk “won’t move,” and neither fighter broke first. They were turned away simultaneously.

    Bellew said the only viable strategy for Verhoeven is to “show no respect, throw the kitchen sink, get in early and don’t stop” with sustained pressure for the first three to four rounds. After Usyk adjusts, it’s over. Scott flagged Verhoeven’s wrestling and clinch game as a potential X-factor, noting Usyk does wrestling three times a week but has never truly been tested there.

    Both agreed Verhoeven’s engine and conditioning are the biggest unknowns. He has never been tested at this level of duration and intensity in a boxing ring. On the “Buster Douglas” comparison, Bellew said an upset would be equally shocking but placed Verhoeven at roughly 10-15/1 odds, not 49/1 like Tyson was against Douglas.

    Undercard

    The May 23 card features multiple title fights. Hamzah Sheeraz faces Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. serves as an IBF heavyweight eliminator with Usyk’s mandatory challenger on the line. Jack Catterall meets Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA regular welterweight belt.

    Matchroom Boxing and Ring Magazine present Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven: Glory in Giza, WBC heavyweight title fight, on May 23, 2026 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The event streams exclusively on DAZN.

  • Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Full Fight Card Announced

    Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Full Fight Card Announced

    Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Ring Magazine announced the full eight-bout lineup for the historic event they are promoting.

    The undefeated Usyk (24-0) has captured undisputed championships in two weight divisions during his professional career. The Olympic gold medalist enters fresh off six consecutive fights against three opponents, defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois twice each.

    Verhoeven brings his longtime GLORY heavyweight kickboxing championship pedigree to the boxing ring. The Dutch fighter attempts to shock the combat sports world in his crossover bout against one of boxing’s elite champions.

    Championship Bouts Lead Stacked Card

    Hamzah Sheeraz battles Alem Begic for the vacant WBO middleweight title in the co-main event. Jack Catterall faces Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA regular welterweight title in the featured contest.

    Frank Sanchez meets Richard Torrez Jr in a heavyweight clash. The card also features Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman, Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley, Mahmoud Mobark vs Michael Kalyalya, and Omar Hikal vs Ali Ssurunkuma.

    The event marks a rare crossover opportunity for Verhoeven, who dominated the kickboxing heavyweight division for years. Usyk seeks to continue his reign as one of boxing’s most accomplished champions across multiple weight classes.

  • Wilder vs. Chisora Preview: Full Card, Odds, How to Watch

    Wilder vs. Chisora Preview: Full Card, Odds, How to Watch

    Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) and Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) collide Saturday, April 4 at the O2 Arena in London. It’s the 50th professional fight for both men, and the stakes couldn’t look more different. For Chisora, it’s a farewell. For Wilder, it’s supposed to be a relaunch.

    The main card streams on DAZN PPV beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Ring walks for the main event are expected around 5 p.m. ET (10 p.m. BST).

    What’s at Stake

    Chisora has called this his retirement fight, and he’s earned the right to frame it that way. The 42-year-old Londoner rides a three-fight win streak into his home arena, with decision victories over Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin giving him legitimate momentum heading into his final bout.

    Wilder, 40, needs this fight to mean something beyond a payday. The former WBC heavyweight champion has gone 2-4 since losing the title to Tyson Fury in 2020, with losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang raising serious questions about what’s left. His June 2025 stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon got him back in the win column, but the level of opposition didn’t answer much.

    A convincing win could set up a potential summer fight with Oleksandr Usyk, who has publicly expressed interest in adding Wilder to his resume before he retires. But Wilder would need to look the part, not just survive.

    The Matchup

    The dynamic is straightforward. Chisora pressures, throws volume, and wears opponents down over 12 rounds. Wilder hunts for one shot. If the fight goes long, it favors Chisora. If it doesn’t, Wilder probably found the right hand.

    Wilder has a new head trainer in Don House, who replaced Malik Scott ahead of the Herndon fight. Wilder described Scott as a “brother” and credited him for helping through a difficult stretch, but the change signals a desire for a fresh approach. House has trained over 28 champions across boxing and MMA.

    The concern with Wilder goes beyond the record. His punch output has dropped significantly in recent fights, he absorbed heavy punishment against Zhang, and at 40 years old, the physical decline is harder to reverse. Even Chisora has acknowledged the toll the Fury trilogy took on Wilder.

    Betting Odds

    Chisora is the favorite at -190 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Wilder is the underdog at +150. The over/under is set at 8.5 rounds, with the over at -125 and the under at -110. A knockout finish is expected by most books regardless of the winner.

    Full Fight Card (DAZN PPV)

    Main Event: Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder, Heavyweight, 12 rounds

    Co-Main: Viddal Riley (13-0) vs. Mateusz Masternak (50-6), IBF World Cruiserweight Title Eliminator

    Undercard:

    Denzel Bentley vs. Endry Saavedra, Interim WBO World Middleweight Title

    Matty Harris vs. Franklin Ignatius, Heavyweight

    Amir Anderson vs. Jordan Dujon, Middleweight

    Dan Toward vs. Misael Da Veiga, Super Welterweight

    Jermaine Dhliwayo vs. Jake Morgan

    Ashton Sylve vs. Tony Galaviz, Super Lightweight

    Tom Welland vs. Alexander Morales

    How to Watch

    The event streams exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view. In the U.S., the main card starts at 2 p.m. ET. A DAZN subscription is required. The fight can be accessed via the DAZN app on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, game consoles, and web browsers.

  • Oleksandr Usyk Decision Could Block Kabayel-Itauma WBC Title Fight

    Oleksandr Usyk Decision Could Block Kabayel-Itauma WBC Title Fight

    Oleksandr Usyk might be the only obstacle preventing Moses Itauma from securing the fastest route to a WBC heavyweight title opportunity. The unbeaten British contender could find himself a step away from championship contention this summer. However, that is possibly only if the division’s current ruler decides against facing the mandatory challenger next.

    Usyk holds the WBA (Super), WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles with an undefeated record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts. The Ukrainian champion is ranked number one pound-for-pound by both The Ring and ESPN.

    WBC Interim Title Picture

    Agit Kabayel currently holds the WBC interim heavyweight championship. A potential matchup between Kabayel and Itauma for the interim title could take place in Germany if Usyk opts to face a different opponent for his next defense.

    Moses Itauma recently broke into ESPN’s top five heavyweight rankings after his knockout victory over Jermaine Franklin Jr. The rising contender has positioned himself as a legitimate threat in the division.

    Title Path Depends on Usyk

    According to World Boxing News, Usyk’s decision on his mandatory challenger will determine whether the Kabayel-Itauma fight moves forward. If Usyk chooses to face Kabayel next, the interim champion would be elevated to full challenger status, removing the opportunity for Itauma to compete for the interim belt.

    The WBC heavyweight division remains in flux as Usyk weighs his options for his next title defense. Any announcement from the undisputed champion’s camp could reshape the immediate future for both Kabayel and Itauma.

  • John Fury Says ‘Everything’ Is Gone From Tyson After Wilder Wars

    John Fury Says ‘Everything’ Is Gone From Tyson After Wilder Wars

    John Fury delivered a scathing assessment of his son Tyson’s physical and tactical decline in a wide-ranging interview on Playbook Boxing, arguing the three-fight series with Deontay Wilder permanently diminished the heavyweight champion ahead of his April 11 return.

    Asked point-blank what is missing from Tyson now — technically and tactically — John’s answer was a single word.

    “Everything. When you fight one of the hardest punchers in boxing history three times, it takes something out. You can never fill that tank up like you had it before.”

    The Wilder Wars Left Permanent Damage

    John traced the root of his son’s decline directly to the Wilder trilogy, particularly the toll of going to the absolute limit in brutal heavyweight warfare. He recalled a conversation with Tyson that stayed with him.

    “He said afterward, ‘Dad, I was prepared to die.’ And when he got that knockout on Wilder, he had nothing left after that. He laid it all on the line.”

    His assessment of the two Oleksandr Usyk fights was blunt.

    “I watched the Usyk fight last time — power weren’t there. The moves was there, but after six or seven rounds, it was fading quick. The old Tyson would have knocked them out in five rounds before he met Wilder, because he’d have the engine standing in the middle of the ring and keep going. There’s no two-phased attacks. There’s nothing. When there is a handle, it’s labored. The legs ain’t there.”

    ‘You Only Find Out When the First Bell Rings’

    The most troubling element, John argued, is that the true state of Tyson’s legs cannot be evaluated in a gym — only under fire.

    “People don’t understand — it’s not in the training. It’s when the first bell rings. He’ll only find that out when the first bell rings.”

    He had begged Tyson to walk away after the second Usyk loss, a plea he now makes publicly.

    “I said to him: you’re out 18 months. Forget it. You’re not what you were. Leave it. Begged and prayed of him. Leave it. Your power’s not up to scratch.”

    Usyk Getting Smarter, Tyson Getting Older

    John also pointed to the contrasting career management of Usyk as evidence the scales are tilting further against any potential trilogy. While Tyson chose a difficult fight in Arslanbek Makhmudov for his April comeback, Usyk has taken a calculated route against Rico Verhoeven.

    “Nothing’s going to change because Tyson’s getting weaker and Usyk’s getting stronger, because Usyk’s smarter. He’s having the easier route. Father time waits for no one. He’ll let Fury do all the donkey work and it’ll make it easier for the trilogy.”

    John’s verdict on the fight choice itself was equally damning:

    “What he should have done is box clever. Let two men kill each other. But what’s he done? He’s being a hero. Ego has took over his brain power.”

    The Mental Health Dimension

    John also offered rare context for what was happening behind the scenes during Tyson’s well-documented mental health struggles — revealing that he was quietly fighting his own crisis at the same time, and that neither knew the other was equally broken.

    “I went for a walk with Tyson. He was ill at this time. But little did he know I was iller than him. We were both messed up in the head walking on that road. He’s saying, ‘This ain’t right now.’ I’m thinking, ‘I’m not on my own here.’”

    Most strikingly, John revealed that just two weeks before the first Usyk fight, Tyson broke down mid-sparring and John called for the bout to be pulled entirely.

    “Two weeks before the Usyk fight — two rounds sparring. He’s laid down in the ring and he’s crying his eyes out. I said, ‘Stop. Right. Pull the fight.’ My head’s gone. Yours is gone. We need time to rebuild our minds.”

    That Tyson fought on — and pushed through — speaks to the same quality John cited from the Wilder years. But it also raises questions about the judgment calls being made around him, and whether the people in his corner are giving him the honest counsel a fighter needs heading into another dangerous heavyweight assignment.

    The physical decline is only part of John’s concern. In the same interview, he confirmed the father-son relationship is effectively over and explained why he will not be present at ringside on April 11. He also addressed the Jake Paul rematch situation and a big upcoming fight for Tommy Fury.

  • Usyk Training Alongside Former Rival Joshua Ahead of “Glory in Giza”

    Usyk Training Alongside Former Rival Joshua Ahead of “Glory in Giza”

    Oleksandr Usyk is deep in training camp for his May 23rd WBC Heavyweight Title defense, and he’s doing it alongside a familiar face — former two-time unified champion Anthony Joshua, the man he defeated twice.

    The two heavyweights, who waged a pair of memorable wars — first in September 2021 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and then in a rematch in August 2022 in Jeddah — are now sharing a gym as Usyk prepares for the biggest crossover event in recent boxing history.

    Joshua previously joined Team Usyk’s training base in Spain ahead of his December 2025 fight against Jake Paul, working closely with Usyk’s longtime coaches Yuri Tkachenko and Sergey Lapin, and that partnership has continued into Usyk’s current camp.​

    A Historic Rivalry Turned Partnership

    The dynamic between Usyk and Joshua remains one of the most compelling storylines in modern heavyweight boxing. Usyk defeated Joshua by unanimous decision in their 2021 bout, stripping him of the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, then retained those belts via split decision in their 2022 rematch.

    Now, rather than adversaries, the two are allies in camp — with Joshua drawing on the knowledge and environment of the team that beat him twice.

    Usyk, 39, last fought in July 2025, stopping Daniel Dubois in five rounds to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight crown, and enters “Glory in Giza” as a heavy favorite against the crossover challenger.​

    Glory in Giza | May 23, 2026 | Pyramids of Giza, Egypt | Live & Exclusive on DAZN