Oleksandr Usyk is open to a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, stating that he is eager to meet the Brit again after ‘defeating Tyson Fury’ in their December rematch.
The Ukrainian superstar spoke with Mail Sport in Poland earlier this month, reflecting on his bout with the Gypsy King and looking ahead to their rematch in December.
On May 18, Usyk defeated Fury via split-decision, with the judges scoring the match 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury, and 114-113 Usyk, making the Ukrainian the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Oleksandr Usyk has welcomed a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, claiming he would be more than delighted to face the Brit again after ‘defeating Tyson Fury’ in their December rematch.
Fury will seek vengeance in their rematch on December 21, but Usyk believes he can get a second victory against the Gypsy King, whose career record now stands at 34-1-1.
When asked who he would prefer to fight after meeting Fury for the second round, Usyk disclosed to Mail Sport that he would be open to a trilogy with Anthony Joshua, recognizing the British star’s crucial role in lifting his reputation to household name status.
The Ukrainian superstar sat down in Poland earlier this month to reflect on his fight with the Gypsy King and look ahead to what the future may hold following their rematch
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport, Usyk said: ‘I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight.
‘From my point of view I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights. Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it. And if it happens with God’s help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony.’
The first and second fight between AJ and Usyk were defining moments in both fighters’ careers, highlighting Usyk’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 and composure while revealing some unseen vulnerabilities in Joshua’s game.
The first bout took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where Joshua defended his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles against the Ukrainian.
Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, had moved up to heavyweight and was seen as a dangerous but manageable opponent for Joshua, who had the advantages of size and power.
From the opening bell, Usyk’s superior footwork, speed, and technical ability were apparent. He used his southpaw stance effectively, darting in and out of range, and landing clean shots on Joshua.
The first and second fight between AJ and Usyk were defining moments in both fighters’ careers, highlighting Usyk’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 and composure
Joshua lost both the first and the second fight to the Ukrainian (pictured above)
Despite Joshua’s attempts to impose his physicality, Usyk consistently outmaneuvered the British heavyweight, disrupting Joshua’s rhythm and forcing him onto the back foot.
Usyk continued to dominate in the final rounds, and as the fight concluded, it was clear to many that Usyk had outboxed Joshua – who is regarded as the golden boy of British boxing.
The judges scored the fight unanimously in favour of Usyk, crowning him the new heavyweight champion and handing Joshua his second career defeat after first losing to Andy Ruiz Jr.
The rematch took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Joshua determined to reclaim his titles. This time, Joshua adopted a more aggressive approach, focusing on body shots and attempting to close the distance against Usyk.
The fight was more competitive than the first, with Joshua finding more success in the middle rounds. However, Usyk’s adaptability and resilience allowed him to regain control in the later rounds, especially with a strong finish in the championship rounds.
When the final bell rang, the decision was again in Usyk’s favor, albeit by a split decision. While Joshua’s effort was more spirited than in their first encounter, it wasn’t enough to reclaim his belts.
Joshua, 32, was utterly furious after the conclusion of the second fight, storming out of the ring in the immediate aftermath
But the two-time heavyweight champion returned to the ring to speak to the crowd and give Usyk the credit he deserved
Usyk previously said that he wants to give back to those who have suffered from the war
In the immediate aftermath, Joshua’s emotions took over. He walked out of the ring, visibly agitated, before returning a few moments later. In a surprising display of rage, Joshua tossed two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring, symbolically abandoning the titles he had just lost.
He then grabbed the microphone and delivered a passionate, rambling statement, praising Usyk while also venting his concerns with the fight and his career. The episode was largely interpreted as a moment of vulnerability for Joshua.
Joshua, who will face Daniel Dubois in September, has since defeated Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou, and will seek retribution against the Ukrainian if the opportunity arises.