Joshua's Unbelievable Training with Usyk Leaves Hearn Shocked and Hopeful
Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua has experienced an "unbelievable lift" from intense training sessions with Oleksandr Usyk in Ukraine. This training partnership began last month, just four months after Joshua survived a tragic car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the loss of two teammates. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his boxing future, Joshua quickly returned to the gym and joined Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, in a rigorous training regimen. Their shared history adds depth to their collaboration, as Usyk defeated Joshua in two pivotal world-title fights, claiming victory in 2021 and retaining his belts in their rematch in 2022. Hearn emphasized the intensity of Joshua's training, describing circuits that included: Tempo sprints Kettle-bell exercises Sledge workouts with a fitness trainer standing on the sledge Hearn expressed amazement at Joshua’s performance, noting that Usyk pushed him to his limits, motivating him to "push, push, push" even when he was exhausted. Hearn stated, "This is f*ing unbelievable, what I’m seeing." Looking ahead, Hearn is confident Joshua can defeat Tyson Fury, especially with Usyk's guidance. Following Fury's recent fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, where he called Joshua into the ring, Hearn indicated that Joshua may fight another opponent before facing Fury. Usyk also weighed in, predicting that Joshua will triumph over Fury, saying, "I know he wins, but I don’t know [how]." As Joshua continues to train with Usyk, Hearn believes this partnership is essential for his fighter's success and focus in the ring.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-16