Usyk offers to join forces with Joshua for Fury showdown

Oleksandr Usyk has offered his services to Anthony Joshua ahead of his proposed December showdown with Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian was supposed to be facing Fury in the same month but confirmed he would not be able to fight until next year due to injuries sustained in his last fight against AJ.

Usyk defeated Joshua for a second time on August 20 at the King Abdullah Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but is now willing to help him prepare for his long-awaited grudge match with Fury.

“If he needs my help, I will go to his camp and help him. He is not 40 years old, he is 33, so he should keep working – Anthony, don’t stop,” Usyk told Sky Sports via Boxing Scene. “I understand that he wanted to win against me, but Anthony can’t give up. He must go forward.”

After the Saudi showdown, Joshua landed himself in hot water for his post-fight antics. The Watford powerhouse threw down the Ring Magazine and WBA (super) belts before snatching the mic and delivering an impassioned speech.

According to reports, Eddie Hearn has accepted Fury’s official written offer on AJ’s behalf. The original date proposed by Fury’s camp was November 12, but Hearn has accepted the fight on the condition that the bout is booked for December 17. Joshua has reportedly been offered a 60/40 purse split with the venue being the Millennium Stadium – also known as the Principality Stadium – in Cardiff, Wales.

This information was disclosed by Fight Hub TV founder, Marcos Villegas, who tweeted on Wednesday morning: “Just finished speaking to Eddie Hearn. Confirmed that he did receive terms from Fury/Warren for #FuryJoshua fight – 60/40 split for Dec 17th at Millennium stadium with a rematch clause. Eddie told me ‘We accept’ but noted Fury/Warren offered Nov 12th as the date for the fights.

“They sent for Nov 12 60/40 split. Eddie responded with accepting 60/40 on AJ behalf but said AJ couldn’t be ready until Dec 17th. Said Warren had Dec 17th already saved/held.”