Tyson Fury learns Anthony Joshua’s clear fight verdict ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is confident Oleksandr Usyk will once again triumph over Tyson Fury.

Joshua, 35, believes the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the four-belt era will replicate his success against Wythenshawe-born Fury in their rematch on December 21. 'The Cat' secured a split-decision victory in Riyadh during their initial encounter in May, ending Fury's undefeated streak while maintaining his own.

And boxing sensation Joshua predicts a similar outcome for the second bout. The Olympian has experienced Usyk's prowess first-hand having suffered two decision defeats to the Ukrainian, while he also shares a longstanding rivalry with Fury.

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"I think it's going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again," he told Queensberry Promotions, via Business Day, with no hesitation in his verdict.

Usyk and Fury were initially set to face off in their rematch in October, but a delay resulted in the fight being put back. A victory for Fury next Saturday would inevitably lead to a trilogy decider, but Joshua is certain that won't be necessary.

"He's a class operator," he added in his praise of Usyk, who defeated him in consecutive fights in 2021 and 2022. "So I think Usyk's one of the best out there. That's why I think he'll win."

'AJ' was significantly outperformed by Usyk in their initial encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021. Joshua gave up the IBF, WBO, IBO and WBA (Super) heavyweight titles on home turf before tightening the margins in their Jeddah