Anthony Joshua admits ‘respect’ for heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk after fighting on the frontline

Anthony Joshua has reserved special praise for his heavyweight counterpart Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their upcoming world championship fight at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia on August 20.

Usyk dominated the Englishman during their previous Wembley bout that saw Joshua lose his world title belts for the second time in his career.

Despite cutting a more brash attitude in the build-up to the rematch, Joshua demonstrated his respect for Usyk who stayed to fight in Ukraine when Russia began their invasion of his homeland.

Usyk, 35, enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial Defence after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The 35-year-old was part of the Ukraine Defence Battalion and was responsible for going out on patrols as Usyk joined the frontline to protect his country from invaders. 

The world champion eventually departed Ukraine after being urged by injured victims of the war to leave and begin training for his heavyweight showdown in the middle east. 

Joshua, 32, took time to honour his rival’s commitments to fighting for his country, admitting he would have done the same to protect his home.

‘If it was me, yes, it would definitely have an impact and I don’t know if it would be positive or negative.

Usyk dominated the duo’s previous fight in London as Joshua lost his heavyweight titles

The heavyweight pair will again meet in the ring in Saudi Arabia on Saturday August 20

‘I don’t know how I would deal with it but I know it would be tough.

‘I have never lived in anything like a conflict like that, so I don’t know the sort of ramifications it would have on me.

‘I respect what he has done 100 per cent. It’s his home, isn’t it — you have to defend your home.

‘It is such a shame that civilians get the worst end of the bargain in wars, when it is a political issue. He is just trying to defend his community so I respect him.

Joshua will be attempting to become a three-time heavyweight champion when he meets Usyk

‘I think I would have done the same, not as a boxer or a warrior, just as a general person.

Joshua, from Watford, has endured a very different build-up to his meeting with Usyk, first jetting off on a global trip to find a new trainer, before settling with serial winner Robert Garcia as he ditched long-standing trainer Rob McCracken.

Joshua also admitted the rescheduling of the fight was no issue for his camp as they wanted to give Usyk all the time he needed to prepare for his heavyweight title defence.

‘We looked at suitable dates for Oleksandr and his team. I felt it was important for him to be ready, rather than for us to be forcing a date on them.

‘He wanted to defend the belts. I wanted us to work together. That is the way we showed our compassion for him and his country. 

‘I feel that this has worked out well for everyone in the long run.’