Usyk backs Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury...

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed confidence that Anthony Joshua can defeat Tyson Fury if their long-anticipated all-British showdown eventually takes place.

Talks between both camps have resumed after several failed attempts to arrange the fight.

Usyk, who has fought and defeated both men twice, said his recent training sessions with Joshua have convinced him that the former world champion is ready for a strong comeback.

CBI News reports that Joshua has been training in Spain alongside the unbeaten Ukrainian as he continues his recovery following a December car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends.

Although he sustained minor injuries, he has since returned to structured training.

Speaking to The Independent, Usyk said he has been impressed by Joshua’s dedication and work ethic in camp.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said.

He also called on fans to support Joshua during what he described as a difficult period, stressing the importance of loyalty.

Drawing from his long-time support for Dynamo Kyiv, Usyk highlighted the need to stand by athletes even in challenging moments.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he said.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

Usyk acknowledged that Joshua is close to returning fully to competition but urged patience as he continues to recover.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return,” he added.

Promoter Eddie Hearn also indicated that Joshua is likely to have another fight before facing Fury.

He confirmed that the British boxer is expected to remain in Usyk’s training camp for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Meanwhile, Usyk is preparing for his own major bout, as he is set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with the World Boxing Council heavyweight title on the line.