In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the much-anticipated “Battle of the Titans,” Oleksandr Usyk has made a series of bold statements that have sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Not only did Usyk acknowledge his first-ever loss in a behind-closed-doors sparring session to Tyson Fury, but he also offered a surprising comment about former rival Anthony Joshua, revealing that he felt “sorry” for him after Joshua’s stunning defeat to Daniel Dubois. Usyk also hinted at a potential future showdown with Joshua, possibly behind closed doors, which has fueled even more speculation about the state of the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s Unexpected Defeat to Fury: In a revelation that left fans and pundits reeling, Usyk confirmed that he had faced Fury in a private sparring session, where the Gypsy King emerged victorious. This marked Usyk’s first loss in any form of competition since turning professional, and it was a significant surprise given the undefeated Ukrainian’s reputation for his flawless technique and mental resilience.
Usyk, who holds the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles, admitted that the sparring session had been difficult. “It was a tough experience for me,” Usyk said in a candid interview following the disclosure. “I’ve never felt defeated like that before. Tyson is a different kind of fighter—he’s huge, and he has the ability to adjust his style in ways that make him incredibly hard to fight. I learned a lot from that session, and it will help me as I prepare for the real fight against him. But I won’t lie, it was humbling.”
Despite the loss, Usyk’s confidence remains unshaken, and many believe he was using the sparring session as a way to refine his strategy for the much-awaited Fury showdown. The clash between Fury and Usyk is set to be a defining moment in the heavyweight division, and both fighters are reportedly leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
Usyk Feels ‘Sorry’ for Anthony Joshua: In another unexpected statement, Usyk expressed genuine sympathy for his former opponent, Anthony Joshua, after the British boxer’s controversial defeat to Daniel Dubois earlier this year. Joshua, once the darling of British boxing and a two-time heavyweight champion, had faced immense pressure heading into the bout, which saw him knocked out by Dubois in a stunning upset.
“I feel sorry for Anthony,” Usyk said, reflecting on Joshua’s emotional and physical struggle following the loss. “He’s been through a lot, and that defeat has clearly taken a toll on him. I know how hard it is to lose in front of the world, especially when you’re a champion and carry so much expectation. It’s not easy to handle that kind of pressure. That fight, it depressed me in a way, because I’ve been there myself. Losing is a part of boxing, but it’s hard to bounce back from moments like that.”
Usyk and Joshua have had an intense rivalry, with Usyk defeating Joshua twice—first in 2021 to claim his heavyweight titles, and again in 2022 in a rematch to solidify his position at the top of the division. However, Usyk’s comments reveal a sense of camaraderie with Joshua, acknowledging the emotional weight that comes with a major loss.
Hints of a Future Showdown with Joshua Behind Closed Doors: Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Usyk’s interview came when he hinted at a potential future clash with Anthony Joshua, not in a public arena, but behind closed doors. While Usyk’s words were ambiguous, they left fans wondering whether he was suggesting a private training or sparring session with Joshua, or even a formal fight outside the public eye.
“I think, maybe, there could be a time when Anthony and I meet again, but not in the way people expect,” Usyk said cryptically. “Sometimes, the biggest battles are fought in private. I’ve always believed that the sport is not just about the crowd or the cameras, but about real preparation and growth. Maybe one day, we’ll find ourselves in the ring again, but this time, it’ll be different.”
The statement set off a flurry of speculation about the potential for a third meeting between Usyk and Joshua, particularly given Joshua’s desire to regain his confidence after his loss to Dubois. A “behind closed doors” fight could imply a training session where the two heavyweights spar for the sake of preparation and mutual respect, or perhaps even a non-televised event that might occur outside of the traditional boxing spotlight. Such a move would be unorthodox, but with the boxing world constantly evolving, anything is possible.
The “Battle of the Titans”: As the official Fury-Usyk fight approaches, the tension between these two champions only grows. Despite the behind-closed-doors loss, Usyk’s mental toughness and unwavering focus are expected to make for an explosive encounter against Fury. Tyson Fury, meanwhile, continues to fuel the fire with his signature bravado, promising a dominant performance and claiming that Usyk has never faced anyone like him.
With Usyk’s heartfelt remarks about Joshua, combined with his humbling experience against Fury, the boxing world is now eagerly awaiting not only the long-anticipated showdown between Fury and Usyk, but also the potential for future matchups—whether they take place in the spotlight or behind closed doors. One thing is certain: the heavyweight division is as unpredictable and captivating as ever, with the best still yet to come.
