Undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk has predicted that Anthony Joshua could defeat Tyson Fury on points if the two British heavyweights ever face off in the ring.
The Ukrainian champion, who recently defended his titles with a unanimous decision victory over Fury, made the surprising prediction while highlighting the challenges the “Gypsy King” presented in their two encounters.
“Maybe Anthony Joshua. Maybe on points,” Usyk said when asked about the potential matchup between his former opponents during an interview with Boxing King Media.
Usyk has faced both men in recent years, defeating Joshua in 2021 to claim the unified heavyweight titles and then successfully defending them in a 2022 rematch.
Earlier this year, the 34-year-old added the undisputed heavyweight crown after a hard-fought victory over Fury and retained his status in their rematch last weekend.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has made it clear that two major fights are on the horizon for the former two-time world champion: a clash with Fury and a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois, who stunned Joshua with a knockout win in September.
With Dubois scheduled to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker on February 22, the path seems to be clearing for the long-awaited Fury vs Joshua showdown, although it is no longer likely to crown an undisputed champion.
Despite Joshua’s recent setbacks, Usyk has continued to show respect for his fellow heavyweight.
The Ukrainian recently included Joshua in his list of top five boxers, alongside pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, highlighting his belief in Joshua’s skill and potential.
Anthony Joshua, however, is still reeling from his devastating loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Hearn confirmed that the British-Nigerian fighter is “hurting” from the defeat.
“Yeah, he is hurting. He took a pasting at times in that fight and I think he has got his back up and wants to come back stronger,” Hearn told talkSPORT.
While the Fury vs Joshua clash is no longer considered a fight for the undisputed title, it remains one of the most highly anticipated matchups in boxing.
Fans around the world are eager to see if Joshua can overcome his recent setbacks and prove Usyk’s prediction right.
