Oleksandr Usyk has welcomed a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, claiming he would be more than happy to face the Brit for a third time after ‘beating Tyson Fury’ in their December rematch.
The Ukrainian superstar sat down with Mail Sport in Poland earlier this month to reflect on his fight with the Gypsy King and look ahead to what the future may hold following their rematch in December.
Usyk got the better of Fury on May 18, with the judges on the night scoring the bout 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury and 114-113 Usyk to see the Ukrainian win via split-decision and become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Fury will be looking for revenge during their rematch on December 21, but Usyk is confident he can secure a second win over the Gypsy King – who’s professional record now stands at 34-1-1.
When asked who he would like to fight after facing Fury for a second time, Usyk revealed to Mail Sport that he would be open to a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, acknowledging that the British star played a significant role in elevating his profile to household name status.
Oleksandr Usyk has welcomed a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, claiming he would be more than happy to face the Brit for a third time after ‘beating Tyson Fury’ in their December rematch
The Ukrainian superstar sat down with Mail Sport in Poland earlier this month to reflect on his fight with the Gypsy King and look ahead to what the future may hold following their rematch
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport, Usyk said: ‘I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight.
‘From my point of view I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights. Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it. And if it happens with God’s help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony.’
The first and second fight between AJ and Usyk were defining moments in both fighters’ careers, highlighting Usyk’s skill and composure while revealing some unseen vulnerabilities in Joshua’s game.
The first bout took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where Joshua defended his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles against the Ukrainian.
Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, had moved up to heavyweight and was seen as a dangerous but manageable opponent for Joshua, who had the advantages of size and power.
From the opening bell, Usyk’s superior footwork, speed, and technical ability were apparent. He used his southpaw stance effectively, darting in and out of range, and landing clean shots on Joshua.
The first and second fight between AJ and Usyk were defining moments in both fighters’ careers, highlighting Usyk’s skill and composure
Joshua lost both the first and the second fight to the Ukrainian (pictured above)
Despite Joshua’s attempts to impose his physicality, Usyk consistently outmaneuvered the British heavyweight, disrupting Joshua’s rhythm and forcing him onto the back foot.
Usyk continued to dominate in the final rounds, and as the fight concluded, it was clear to many that Usyk had outboxed Joshua – who is regarded as the golden boy of British boxing.
The judges scored the fight unanimously in favour of Usyk, crowning him the new heavyweight champion and handing Joshua his second career defeat after first losing to Andy Ruiz Jr.
The rematch took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Joshua determined to reclaim his titles. This time, Joshua adopted a more aggressive approach, focusing on body shots and attempting to close the distance against Usyk.
The fight was more competitive than the first, with Joshua finding more success in the middle rounds. However, Usyk’s adaptability and resilience allowed him to regain control in the later rounds, especially with a strong finish in the championship rounds.
When the final bell rang, the decision was again in Usyk’s favor, albeit by a split decision. While Joshua’s effort was more spirited than in their first encounter, it wasn’t enough to reclaim his belts.
Joshua, 32, was utterly furious after the conclusion of the second fight, storming out of the ring in the immediate aftermath
But the two-time heavyweight champion returned to the ring to speak to the crowd and give Usyk the credit he deserved
Usyk previously said that he wants to give back to those who have suffered from the war
In the immediate aftermath, Joshua’s emotions got the better of him. Visibly upset, he stormed out of the ring before returning moments later. In a shocking display of frustration, Joshua threw two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring, symbolically discarding the titles he had just lost.
He then grabbed the microphone and launched into an impassioned, rambling speech, praising Usyk but also venting his frustrations about the fight and his career. The episode was widely seen as a moment of vulnerability for Joshua.
Joshua – who is fight Daniel Dubois in September – has since gone on to pick up wins against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou and will be looking for revenge against the Ukrainian if the opportunity presents itself.
