Anthony Joshua is considering joining Oleksandr Usyk’s training camp in Spain ahead of his imminent comeback.
Joshua has been trained by Ben Davison for his last three outings including his most recent KO defeat to Daniel Dubois last September.
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Joshua could well find himself working alongside Usyk before his comeback fightCredit: Getty
AJ has yet to make his comeback to the ring after having surgery on an elbow injury, but is eyeing a big 2026 and a route back to world titles.
In recent years, Joshua has tried out stints with several trainers since parting ways with long-term coach Rob McCracken, including Robert Garcia.
And now according to The Ring, Joshua could consider another major change to his training set-up.
It has been revealed that the former two-time champion visited former rival Usyk’s regular training camp facility in Valencia.
And he is now considering a full-time switch to the Spanish East coast, with the intention of stepping up preparations ahead of his planned return to the ring.
The move would likely see him work with Usyk’s chief cornerman Sergey Lapin.
It would see him make a surprise reunion with the current undisputed champion, who famously beat him twice in their 2021 and 2022 clashes.
Usyk moved up to heavyweight and dethroned Joshua on home soil with a stunning display, before outpointing an improved version of AJ again one yet later.
But the pair have spoken with huge respect about each other, and a move to work alongside one of the current pound-for-pound greats could benefit the Briton.
Joshua is no stranger to trialling alternative training arrangements during his career.
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Joshua is currently working with Davison but a change could well be imminentCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
The Briton visited several gyms in 2022 before choosing Garcia for his rematch with Usyk, taking sessions with Eddy Reynoso, Virgil Hunter and Ronnie Shields.
When will Anthony Joshua make his comeback?
Joshua has been linked with several potential return dates including a blockbuster first-ever appearance in Africa in 2026.
But promoter Eddie Hearn has since confirmed Joshua will surprisingly return before the end of this year.
There are three options for Joshua to return including the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s rematch with Conor Benn.
But a return on either December 13 or December 27 on Matchroom shows could well be on the cards.
For now, he believes it will be against lowly opposition to prepare him for an inevitable clash with Tyson Fury.
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Joshua hasn’t fought since losing to Dubois but he is expected to return before the year is upCredit: GETTY
“The plan’s very important,” Hearn said.
“The most important thing is making sure he’s 110 per cent confident and ready to beat Tyson Fury.
“We need to be able to plan that for AJ to make sure that he’s in the best place possible for what will be the biggest moment of his career, I believe.
“If he fights this year, that will be a pure run out. It won’t be a top 15 guy.
“He’s either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury, if that can get made, or he’s going to have the one fight in February.
“We haven’t really decided yet but he’s keen to get active.”