Promoter Eddie Hearn and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk have recently discussed the possibility of a third fight against Anthony Joshua, potentially breaking a long-standing boxing tradition. While Usyk holds two victories over the British heavyweight, both camps have indicated an openness to a trilogy bout driven by legacy, personal redemption, and high commercial value. The news marks a significant shift in heavyweight matchmaking, where a 2-0 head-to-head record typically signals the end of a rivalry.
The potential matchup remains in the discussion stages and has not yet been officially confirmed. Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds the unified heavyweight titles, first defeated Anthony Joshua in September 2021 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. He followed this with a second victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August 2022, retaining his titles via a split decision. Despite these clear outcomes, Eddie Hearn has noted that Joshua retains a strong desire for a third opportunity to settle the score.
Historically, heavyweight rivalries rarely continue after one fighter has won the first two contests convincingly. However, the rapport between these two champions has remained respectful, with both reportedly sharing training environments in the years following their second encounter. This unique dynamic, combined with the continued global demand for high-profile heavyweight matchups, has kept the trilogy concept alive among promoters and fans alike.
Commercial demand and the shift in heavyweight boxing tradition
The landscape of elite boxing has seen various established norms challenged as promoters prioritize “legacy” events and familiar rivalries. Financial interest in the heavyweight division remains at an all-time high, often outweighing the strict adherence to divisional rankings. This environment makes a third meeting between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk a viable prospect, even without the immediate pressure of a title mandatory.
In previous eras, a fighter facing two consecutive losses against the same opponent would often be forced to rebuild against lower-ranked contenders. Today, the focus has shifted. We see similar trends elsewhere in the sport; for instance, Ryan Garcia continues to push for a rematch with Gervonta Davis despite a previous stoppage defeat. For Joshua, the motivation appears to be psychological validation rather than just a commercial payout.
While the trilogy is being discussed, Anthony Joshua’s immediate next move in the ring remains unconfirmed. Unlike previous reports, there is currently no official scheduled opponent or return date set for the British star. His path back to the unified titles remains complex, as the heavyweight division continues to be dominated by the ongoing movements of the current champions.
The technical evolution of the Joshua-Usyk rivalry
To understand why a third fight is being entertained, one must look at the progression between their first and second meetings. The first fight was a tactical masterclass by the Ukrainian southpaw, but the second bout was far more competitive. Anthony Joshua showed significant technical adjustments in Saudi Arabia, which has led his team to believe that a “blueprint” for victory is achievable with one more attempt.
The heavyweight landscape is also being influenced by the opinions of veteran figures within the sport. Former fighters like David Price have recently evaluated forms of the top active heavyweights, noting how the current generation is often willing to take risks that previous champions might have avoided. This willingness to fight the best repeatedly, regardless of prior results, has redefined the modern heavyweight era.
Furthermore, the emergence of young talent like Moses Itauma provides a glimpse into the future of the division. However, the established star power of Joshua and Usyk ensures that their rivalry remains the primary focus of major promotional discussions. If both men reach an agreement on the specific conditions required for a third fight, it could become one of the most talked-about events in recent boxing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Anthony Joshua ever beaten Oleksandr Usyk?
No, Anthony Joshua has lost both of his professional bouts against Oleksandr Usyk. The first loss occurred in London in 2021 via unanimous decision, and the second took place in Saudi Arabia in 2022 via split decision.
Who is Anthony Joshua’s next opponent?
Anthony Joshua’s next opponent is currently unknown and has not been officially announced. While a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk is being discussed, no specific date or opponent has been confirmed for his return to the ring as of May 18, 2026.
Why is a third fight between Joshua and Usyk being discussed?
The discussion is driven by Anthony Joshua’s desire for personal redemption, the high commercial value of the matchup, and a shift in boxing tradition that now favors high-profile legacy rematches even after one fighter has won twice.
