Anthony Joshua has revealed that he is working with the Oleksandr Usyk camp for his upcoming fight against Jake Paul.
It was announced earlier in the week that the two-time former heavyweight champion will clash with Paul on December 19 in Miami.
AJ will make his return to the ring, live on Netflix, 15 months on from his KO defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
However, Joshua is preparing for his next fight in the company of his rival’s team, having previously fought with heavyweight legend Usyk on two occasions.
Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Joshua confirmed that he has made a change with his trainer.
He was asked if he is still being trained by Ben Davison and Lee Wylie, and if Davison will be in his corner for the fight.
“No, I won’t be trained by Ben Davison,” AJ revealed. “I said that London is a bit distracting for me, so I was invited to train with Team Usyk.
“I’ve been in Spain, we’ve been doing some good training, and I think he’s one of the best in the world… Not I think, he is one of the best in the world.
“It’s not all down to him, it’s also down to his team that’s around him, so I linked up with them.
“Getting an insight into how someone who’s achieved so much has been phenomenal, it’s been a great experience and very challenging.”
Paul responds to Joshua’s Usyk news
Paul was soon asked for his thoughts on Joshua’s news, and simply said: “It’s great. I mean, obviously, he’s training with the best in the world.
“He’s one of the best heavyweights in the world, we expect nothing less, and I want the best version of Anthony Joshua on December 19.
“It’s going to be the best version of Jake Paul that you’ve seen, and we’ll see who’s better.”
Paul was set to face Gervonta Davis on November 14, but the fight was cancelled amid allegations of the former attacking a woman.
However, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is now readying for the 14th professional fight of his career with a current record of 12-1.
Fans have been left concerned for him though, after seeing the huge size difference between him and Joshua.
The Brit is five inches taller than Paul, as well as being 50lbs heavier and having a six-inch reach advantage.
And even with platforms on, Paul, billed at 6ft 1in, was dwarfed by his 6ft 6in rival, with boxing fans worried.
One wrote on social media: “It’s over for him.”, with another writing: “Jake is definitely done. Joshua is going to give him serious damage.”
The undercard for the fight was also announced on Friday, with UFC legends Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley scheduled to clash.
Alycia Baumgardner will fight Leila Beaudoin for the WBA, IBF and WBO super featherweight titles in the co-main event.
