Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, made a bold prediction about former rival and now friend Anthony Joshua. The Ukrainian believes the British star will not only return to elite form, but also become the undisputed world heavyweight champion within the next year.
Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua still has another championship run in him — and not just a comeback, but a march to the top of the heavyweight division.
“God gave me and AJ this trial. If we go through it with dignity, He will say: ‘Good, you are ready, go to the next level.’ Our story is a true God’s plan: the fight in 2021, the rematch in 2022, then training together... And in 2026–2027, Anthony becomes the undisputed champion. Good idea? With Usyk’s help. I’m in,” the 39-year-old Ukrainian said in an interview with Daily Mail Boxing.
Usyk left little room for doubt when discussing Joshua’s future. “I don’t think Anthony will become undisputed — I know it. It’s possible. AJ, you can collect all the belts. With our help, you will become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in 2027. And not just undisputed, but a real, dominant heavyweight champion.”
The Ukrainian also drew a comparison to his own career, recalling how critics once said he was too small for heavyweight. “People told me: ‘Usyk, it’s impossible.’ And I answered: ‘We’ll see.’ I don’t ask God for victory — I pray and work. If it is possible, I will do it. And for AJ, I think it is also absolutely realistic.”
Joshua last fought at the end of last year, when he knocked out boxing entertainer Jake Paul.
