Oleksandr Usyk is backing Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury and has been lending his expertise to the British heavyweight as the all-British showdown looms. The unified champion believes Joshua has what it takes to overcome Fury and has opened his camp to help prepare for the anticipated blockbuster.

Usyk, who defends his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt, will welcome Joshua into his training camp over the coming weeks. "We speak about strategy, boxing skills and psychology," Usyk said. "I say 'champ, come on, don't stop.'" The Ukrainian has been offering tactical advice while Joshua refines his approach for the Fury bout.

Joshua's path back to the ring has been complicated by tragedy. His last fight was a routine win against Jake Paul in December, but later that month he was a passenger in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends. Usyk, who has lost friends during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, told Joshua: "God gave you one more chance. Take this chance and don't stop or cry."