Usyk’s Team Has One Major Condition For Anthony Joshua Trilogy Fight: “Different Levels Now”

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk have fought a combined total of 24 rounds, and there is a tantalizing possibility that this number could increase to 36 before they both decide to retire from the sport of boxing.

 

Their initial encounter took place in September 2021, when Joshua put his WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles on the line against Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion. The fight was a significant test for Joshua, who was expected to dominate due to his size and power advantage. However, Usyk showcased his superior boxing skills and technical prowess, thoroughly outboxing Joshua over the course of 12 rounds and securing a unanimous decision victory. This loss was only the second defeat of Joshua’s career and marked a major shift in the heavyweight division.

 

The rematch, held in August 2022, saw Joshua making adjustments and putting up a more competitive performance. Despite his improved showing, Usyk once again emerged victorious, retaining his titles and affirming his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Following this victory, Usyk continued to make history by defeating Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout earlier this year, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion and achieving a remarkable feat by conquering two weight classes.

 

Joshua, on the other hand, has been on a resurgence since his defeat to Usyk. He has managed to string together a four-fight winning streak, regaining form and confidence. With this renewed success, discussions about a potential third fight between the two have begun to surface. Alex Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter, recently addressed these discussions in an interview with Boxing King Media.

 

Krassyuk acknowledged Joshua’s growth and transformation since their last encounters. “Anthony Joshua was talking about the third fight. He’s a great champ. He’s changed a lot since the two fights with Usyk. We’ve seen him going down and see him rising up. It’s also a complicated fight to make. I’ll tell you why – cause now we are on different levels.”

 

He further elaborated on the complexities surrounding the potential third bout. “The first fight, Usyk was almost no-name and Anthony Joshua was a massive star in the UK. After he beat him twice, Anthony Joshua still remains a massive star here no matter what. So this fight might be something that attracts attention from the whole world.”

 

Krassyuk also discussed the financial aspects of a potential third fight, stating that while the price could be substantial, he settled on a figure for the sake of clarity. “Let’s stay with $200 million.”

 

As for the current landscape, Joshua is scheduled to fight for his former belts on September 21. Usyk vacated these titles, leading to Daniel Dubois being elevated to Full IBF Champion. Dubois will put the belt on the line against fellow Brit, Joe Joyce. Should Joshua win and reclaim the heavyweight championship, he would become a three-time heavyweight champion, a notable achievement in itself.

 

Meanwhile, Usyk is set to face Tyson Fury in a rematch in December, which could further shape the future of the heavyweight division. Should Usyk defeat Fury once again, the prospect of a third bout with Joshua could indeed be revisited. However, Usyk’s motivation for a third fight may be questioned given his previous two decisive victories over Joshua. The prospect of such a bout would have to offer substantial incentive for Usyk, considering his current position in the division.

 

In a potentially more lucrative scenario, Fury might seek to avenge his defeat against Usyk, setting up a long-awaited and highly anticipated all-British showdown between Fury and Joshua. This fight would not only captivate the boxing world but also bring substantial financial rewards and global attention.

 

In summary, while a third fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk remains a fascinating possibility, its realization will depend on various factors including Joshua’s performance in his upcoming bout, Usyk’s results against Fury, and the financial and motivational aspects for both fighters. The dynamics of the heavyweight division continue to evolve, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.