Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has named Oleksandr Usyk the “best fighter in the world” as he prepares for his own return to the ring. Joshua has joined Usyk’s training camp under coach Iegor Golub to overhaul his conditioning before facing Kristian Prenga.
The move follows a difficult period for the British fighter, who lost his unified titles to Usyk and failed to reclaim them in a rematch. After a subsequent defeat to Daniel Dubois in an IBF world title challenge, Joshua has sought a fundamental change by aligning himself with his former adversary. He explained the decision was a straightforward one. “[I went to train with Usyk because] he is the best in the world, so let’s go and see what he is doing, what barriers he is breaking down and what boundaries he is pushing.” Joshua believes that by observing and adopting Usyk’s methods, he can find his way back to the top. “If I can emulate that in training, I think the results will follow in the ring.”
Joshua has identified a specific weakness he aims to correct under the new regime. He feels his preparation was previously flawed, focusing too much on general fitness instead of fight-specific endurance. “One of my main issues was conditioning and their conditioning was supreme. I’m not talking about just doing S&C [Strength and Conditioning] and circuits in the gym for the sake of it – I’m talking about boxing conditioning.” This shift represents a move back to basics, prioritising ring craft and stamina over pure strength.
The new training environment, away from the spotlight in the United Kingdom, is built on repetition and technical refinement. “I have been there for weeks and weeks sometimes and we don’t even hit a pad. Sparring, bag work, shadowboxing, rounds of technical, improving your focus, improving your boxing IQ – it is good, man,” Joshua said. “I’ve still got so much room to improve, I’m getting my legs back, I’m getting my mind back in the game and staying away from home helps me get that focus that I need.”
This revamped approach will be tested next Saturday when Joshua fights Kristian Prenga in Riyadh. After a recent victory over Jake Paul, this bout is his first significant contest under Golub’s full-time guidance. The performance against Prenga will be a key indicator of whether this new system can help Joshua mount another serious challenge in the heavyweight division.
