Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a third heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua remains a distinct possibility, despite the Ukrainian champion’s two previous victories over the British star. Speaking on May 17, 2026, the Matchroom Boxing chairman revealed that while Joshua is currently focused on an immediate return to the ring this July, a trilogy bout is “not out of the question” as both fighters have recently developed an unexpected professional connection.
The heavyweight landscape took a turn recently when Joshua and Usyk became training partners, a move Hearn described as “incredibly inspiring” for the former champion. Joshua is currently preparing for a scheduled July 25 bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which serves as a vital stepping stone toward a potential showdown with Tyson Fury later this year. Usyk, who remains one of the most technical and dangerous boxers in the sport, reportedly supported Joshua’s decision to take this summer comeback fight to ensure he is 100% ready for Fury.
This new camaraderie follows a storied rivalry that began in September 2021 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Usyk outclassed Joshua over 12 rounds to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles with a unanimous decision victory. The scores of 117–112, 116–112, and 115–113 reflected Usyk’s dominance, particularly in a final round where he landed 29 punches—the most any opponent has ever landed on Joshua in a single three-minute frame.
Analysis of the Usyk and Joshua rivalry
The rematch, dubbed “Rage on the Red Sea,” took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August 2022 and proved more competitive but yielded a similar result. Joshua leaned on a heavier body attack, landing 37 body shots compared to just 15 in their first encounter. However, Usyk’s conditioning allowed him to weather the storm, setting a record for the most punches landed on Joshua in a single round when he connected with 39 blows in the tenth. The split decision loss left Joshua visibly frustrated, leading to a post-fight outburst where he threw two of Usyk’s championship belts from the ring.
Since those defeats, both men have navigated different professional paths. Usyk reached a historic milestone by defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024 to claim the WBC title, becoming an undisputed heavyweight champion in his second weight class. He is notably the first male boxer to become a three-time undisputed champion in the “four-belt era.” Meanwhile, Joshua has been rebuilding following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. Hearn notes that Joshua is now fighting with a “different purpose” and finds the atmosphere in Usyk’s training camp to be the “best thing for his career.”
The path to an Usyk vs Joshua trilogy
For a third fight to materialize, Joshua must first navigate his July assignment and a potential end-of-year blockbuster against Tyson Fury. As analysts have noted when evaluating the current heavyweight form, the division’s top tier remains highly volatile. Joshua’s recent activity includes a stoppage win over Jake Paul in December, and he is reportedly more motivated than ever while training alongside the man who twice took his titles.
Usyk’s resume continues to expand. After becoming the first four-belt undisputed cruiserweight king in 2018, he repeated undisputed success at heavyweight and recently defended his unified status with a knockout of Daniel Dubois in July 2025. He currently holds the unified heavyweight championship and the Ring magazine title. Despite his two previous wins, the intrigue of a third Joshua fight remains due to Joshua’s physical improvements and newfound mental focus as he works toward a potential clash with Tyson Fury.
Future outlook for the heavyweight division
The immediate priority for Team Joshua is the Riyadh date on July 25. Hearn has been adamant that Joshua will not jump straight into a Fury fight without a proper tune-up, citing the need for rounds, timing, and confidence. Being around Usyk’s “greatness” in camp has apparently provided a spark for Joshua. The promoter believes that the current version of Joshua, motivated by the memory of his lost friends, is a different athlete than the one who lost in London and Jeddah.
Whether the public demands a third fight between two men who have already shared 24 rounds remains to be seen. However, in the business of heavyweight boxing, if Joshua manages to defeat Tyson Fury later this year, a third fight with Usyk would carry immense weight. For now, the two former rivals remain unlikely allies in the pursuit of divisional supremacy in an era managed by promoters like Eddie Hearn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What titles did Oleksandr Usyk win from Anthony Joshua?
Oleksandr Usyk won the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles from Anthony Joshua. He first acquired these belts during their first meeting in London in September 2021 and successfully defended them in their August 2022 rematch in Saudi Arabia.
What is the current relationship between Joshua and Usyk?
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk are currently training partners. Promoter Eddie Hearn has described this arrangement as “incredibly inspiring” for Joshua, noting that being in the champion’s camp has motivated Joshua ahead of his scheduled return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh.
When was the last time Anthony Joshua fought?
Anthony Joshua’s most recent professional outing prior to his scheduled July 2026 return was a stoppage victory over Jake Paul. That fight took place in December, though Joshua has spent much of the subsequent time rebuilding both mentally and physically following personal challenges.
