Anthony Joshua Resumes Training with Oleksandr Usyk as Potential Tyson Fury Fight Looms
Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has officially resumed his boxing training under the watchful guidance of coach Iegor Golub, signaling a potential comeback fight later this year. This development follows a tragic hiatus after Joshua survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria last year, which claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
Training Regimen and Technical Guidance
Joshua, now 36 years old, was observed engaging in rigorous training sessions that included technical work on heavy bags and jump rope exercises to enhance his conditioning. Golub, who previously assisted Joshua in the condensed preparation for his victory over Jake Paul—where Joshua secured a knockout in six rounds—shared images from the gym with the caption "Back to training." Notably, Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk was also present in the training facility, offering Joshua advice on kettlebell techniques. Usyk, who defeated Joshua twice via points in 2021 and 2022, is preparing for his own upcoming bout against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in May.
Speculation Over Comeback Opponents
While Joshua has been linked to a highly anticipated mega-fight against long-time rival Tyson Fury, who is scheduled to emerge from retirement next month to face Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, other potential opponents are also under consideration. British heavyweight Dillian Whyte has emerged as a sensible option for Joshua's return, as Whyte resumes his career following personal tragedies. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has fueled further speculation by teasing upcoming news about the fighter, revealing that Joshua recently rejected an offer from a rival promoter. Hearn shared a nostalgic photo on Instagram of himself accompanying Joshua during a past ring walk, accompanied by the word "loading," hinting at imminent announcements.
Future Prospects and Industry Buzz
The boxing community is abuzz with anticipation as Joshua's return to training suggests a significant event on the horizon. With Usyk's involvement adding a layer of technical refinement and the ongoing discussions around potential matchups, fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring developments. Joshua's resilience after the tragic accident and his dedication to reclaiming his position in the heavyweight division underscore the high stakes of his impending comeback.
