Anthony Joshua trains with Oleksandr Usyk’s team ahead of Jake Paul fight
Britain’s former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has disclosed an unexpected training arrangement with the camp of his former conqueror Oleksandr Usyk. The 35-year-old confirmed during Friday evening’s press conference that he has spent several weeks preparing in Spain alongside the Ukrainian’s team, reports BritPanorama.
“I was invited to train with Team Usyk,” Joshua stated when questioned about his coaching situation. The Watford-born fighter acknowledged that London had become “a bit distracting” for his preparations.
Joshua praised the experience, saying: “Getting an insight into how someone who’s achieved so much has been phenomenal, it’s been a great experience and very challenging.” The high-profile encounter against Jake Paul is scheduled for 19 December at Miami’s Kaseya Center, featuring an extraordinary £140 million purse to be divided equally between the combatants.
The contest will consist of eight three-minute rounds using 10-ounce gloves. This marks Joshua’s comeback following a 14-month absence from competition after a defeat by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. The bout will be broadcast on Netflix, uniting the 35-year-old former champion with the 28-year-old social media personality turned professional boxer, Paul, who enters the ring with a 12-1 record across 13 professional contests.
Joshua’s partnership with Usyk’s team represents his fourth coaching change since ending his collaboration with Rob McCracken, confirming his departure from Ben Davison, with whom he had worked since 2023. “No, I won’t be trained by Ben Davison,” Joshua revealed when asked about his corner team.
He emphasised that working alongside Usyk’s support staff has provided valuable insights, stating: “It’s not all down to him, it’s also down to his team that’s around him, so I linked up with them.” The former champion confirmed he has been collaborating with the Ukrainian’s camp for “a couple months now,” though he clarified that he hasn’t sparred directly with Usyk himself.
Paul acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead, stating: “He’s training with the best in the world.” The American faces considerable physical disadvantages against his British opponent. Joshua stands five inches taller at 6ft 6in, carries a 50-pound weight advantage, and possesses a six-inch reach superiority. Boxing enthusiasts have expressed alarm about the disparity, with social media reactions suggesting genuine concern for Paul’s welfare.
The undercard will feature former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, whilst Alycia Baumgardner defends her super featherweight titles against Leila Beaudoin.
As the anticipation builds for this unusual clash between a heavyweight icon and a social media star, one can’t help but reflect on the evolving nature of boxing itself. The sport increasingly straddles the line between traditional competition and modern entertainment, reminding us that even the ring has become a stage for unexpected narratives and rivalries.
