Anthony Joshua learns from Usyk at 36
At 36, most heavyweights are planning retirement. Anthony Joshua is still hungry and studying the man who beat him twice — a surprising move for a fighter many thought was in his twilight.
Anthony Joshua learns from Usyk at 36
At 36, most heavyweights are planning retirement. Anthony Joshua is still hungry and studying the man who beat him twice — a surprising move for a fighter many thought was in his twilight.
Ahead of his Jake Paul fight, insiders reveal Joshua has quietly been working with Team Usyk, absorbing the methods of the reigning heavyweight champion.
This isn’t about sparring or preparing for a single opponent — it’s about heavyweight evolution for one final shot at a late stage of his career.
Sergey Lapin, part of Usyk’s camp, described the collaboration as focused entirely on growth. “He (Usyk) came over, they worked together, but there were no sparring sessions — Jake Paul isn’t a southpaw, so there was no point. He shared his experience during the preparation process,” Lapin said.
Why Team Usyk? Lapin explained: “Nothing happens by accident. AJ is someone who always strives to evolve. That’s why he came — he wants new solutions and honest work that can take him to the next level.”
This collaboration isn’t about a single fight. “This isn’t about one opponent. It’s about AJ’s development. And as everyone heard, Fury said he’s stepping away from boxing,” Lapin said.
Joshua isn’t relying on one trainer. He’s working with a structured team — a head coach, an assistant, and specialists — each focusing on different areas of improvement. The emphasis, Lapin said, is on mentally and technically mapping his next moves, with results meant to show in the ring rather than on social media.
When asked about critics who say Joshua will “just carry Jake Paul for eight rounds,” Lapin replied: “Let them talk. Thousands can talk — only a few can act. That’s the difference.”
On Usyk’s potential role in Joshua’s corner, Lapin was clear: for championship fights, he could be there. And could Team Usyk eventually help AJ topple Tyson Fury? “Everything is done step by step. There is much more work ahead than talk. If that fight happens, the ring will give the only answer that matters.”
It’s a curious picture for a former Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight champion. At an age when most fighters are planning farewell tours, Joshua is still in development mode, seeking lessons from the very man who humbled him.
Whether this methodical, slow-burning approach can reignite his career remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: AJ is still trying to evolve — even as the clock ticks down.