Anthony Joshua will have a keener eye than most on next month’s undisputed heavyweight world title clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, as he is hotly tipped to be next in line for a shot at the winner.
Fury and Usyk will lock horns on May 18th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the same venue at which Joshua destroyed Francis Ngannou in under two rounds back in early March.
Though triangle theories are far from concrete in boxing, ‘AJ’s destruction of Ngannou has caused many to doubt just how much Fury has left, given he was knocked down by the ex-UFC heavyweight champion on route to a narrow split decision win last time out.
And in a recent interview with Talksport Boxing, Joshua admitted he is siding with Usyk, who has beaten him twice previously, to get the job done over ‘The Gypsy King.’
“I’ve only fought Oleksandr Usyk, so I can only speak on my experience with him.
“He’s a phenomenal fighter who does everything to a tee. I would say he’s going to do a really good job.
“I have never fought Tyson Fury, so I can’t really speak on how he will perform on what it’s like to face him.
“So only speaking on what I know, I’ll have to say that Oleksandr Usyk will be victorious.”
Credit: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions
After an out of character post-fight outburst following his second loss to Usyk, many cast doubts over the Watford man’s mentality and whether or not he would be a force at the top end of the heavyweight division again.
Tyson Fury’s ringside reaction to THAT Anthony Joshua knockout đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/BFsRYwgVlO
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 9, 2024
However, under the tutelage of new coach Ben Davison, Joshua has looked more impressive by the fight, so much so that some observers are backing him to topple Fury should that fight materialise later in the year.
However, first the WBC champion has arguably the toughest test of his storied career to contend with in the shape of Usyk before a domestic classic with Joshua can be discussed.
