Sometimes in boxing, a fresh environment is all a fighter needs to rediscover their spark.
As Anthony Joshua gears up for another major moment in his career, he’s taken a surprising and strategic turn—one that has fans talking long before a punch is thrown.
A New Approach for Joshua’s Return
As he readies himself for his high‑profile comeback fight against Jake Paul, Joshua has teamed up with none other than Oleksandr Usyk’s camp.
The announcement came during the Miami press event promoting their December 19 showdown, which is set for eight professional rounds.
It’s been a long road back for Joshua, who hasn’t entered the ring since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024.
With that loss still lingering, he shifted his entire training structure and chose to work with the same group that shaped Usyk into a two‑time unified heavyweight champion—the very man who defeated Joshua twice on points in 2021 and 2022.
Inside His Training Switch
Joshua explained that his connection to Team Usyk wasn’t accidental.
“I was invited to train with Team Usyk,” he shared.
He praised not just Usyk, but the entire team supporting him, noting that their collective expertise offered a rare opportunity to learn from proven winners.
According to Joshua, the experience has been demanding but incredibly valuable.
The Controversy Around the Match-Up
Jake Paul, the influencer‑turned‑boxer who transitioned into professional fighting over the past five years, is stepping into the ring to face Joshua in Miami.
And unsurprisingly, the pairing has split public opinion.
Critics question Paul’s boxing résumé, as most of his 13 professional fights have come against retired athletes or former UFC stars.
His lone heavyweight appearance included a points victory over a 58‑year‑old Mike Tyson.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s supporters argue that a former unified world champion should not be sharing a ring with a relative newcomer.
Joshua Brushes Off the Doubts
For Joshua, the outside noise is simply that—noise.
“I don’t address people that are against me,” he said. He made it clear that negative commentary doesn’t sway him. Instead, he chooses to focus on those who continue to back him, adding that critics don’t deserve his attention.
Paul Believes He Can Shock the World
Paul, on the other hand, showed respect for Joshua’s career achievements while insisting he has a real chance to surprise everyone.
In his view, heavyweights sometimes struggle more with smaller, faster opponents due to quick movement, sharp angles, and unpredictable footwork.
He acknowledged Joshua’s knockout power but believes he can avoid the kind of punch that ends the night early.
Paul even leaned into the theatrics, saying he’s ready to shed blood and push himself to extremes: “He’s going to have to kill me to stop me, and I’m seriously ready to die.”
What Comes Next?
Now that their war of words has fueled anticipation, the final countdown begins.
Training camps continue, strategies sharpen, and fans on both sides are gearing up for a bout no one expected—but everyone will be watching.
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