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.