World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has thrown his support behind Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury in their long-awaited clash later this year. Usyk, who holds the IBF, WBA, and WBC belts, has been working closely with Joshua, praising his development and change in approach.
"Fury is an unbelievable fighter, but I look how Anthony works and how he has changed," Usyk told the BBC. "I want Anthony to win-he deserves it."
Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, returns to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh against Kristian Prenga. It will be his first fight since a car accident last December claimed the lives of two close friends.
Usyk said their sessions focus on technical and mental preparation, including strategy, boxing skills, and psychology. The Ukrainian defends his titles against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.