Joshua says Usyk trilogy now 'just friendly competition'

Anthony Joshua says a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk depends on the Ukrainian's decision but insists any rematch would be fought without bad blood. The British heavyweight has shifted his stance after losing twice to Usyk.

“Usyk? It's up to him. But I think it would be amazing, respectfully. It's just friendly competition. Before it was different, there was real animosity but now it's just friendly competition.”

— Anthony Joshua, via Ring Magazine

What Anthony Joshua said

Joshua lost his unified heavyweight titles to Usyk in September 2021, then dropped a rematch decision twelve months later. Both fighters have moved on to other opponents in the heavyweight division since then. Joshua has called for big-name fights while Usyk campaigned at heavyweight.

What it moves

Joshua's public willingness to face Usyk again leaves the ball in the former champion's court. Usyk could choose to pursue other heavyweight options or revisit the rivalry. The friendly tone contrasts with the tension that surrounded their first two meetings and signals Joshua's reset in approach.

Source: ringmagazine.com. Full Anthony Joshua fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.