Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk says he sensed Anthony Joshua still wants to fight after the fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends. Usyk described hearing a "desire to continue" in Joshua's voice during a recent conversation, with the Brit returning to the UK after hospital treatment for minor injuries.

The incident followed Joshua's recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami, casting doubt on his future at 36. Usyk and Joshua have developed mutual respect since their 2021 and 2022 title fights, with the Brit even training in Usyk's camp this year. Usyk believes Joshua fights for his lost friends and the life he's been given.

Usyk also outlined his own ambitions, targeting a 2026 fight in the United States against former champion Deontay Wilder. He aims to complete wins over the era's top heavyweights, having already beaten both Joshua and Tyson Fury. A Wilder fight would fulfill a long-held goal to box more in America.