Anthony Joshua & Oleksandr Usyk Bring ‘Rocky III’ to Life in Epic Video

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk have transformed their heavyweight rivalry into an unexpected partnership, as evidenced by their latest Rocky III-inspired training video posted on social media.

Rather than carrying the bitterness that often follows major heavyweight rivalries, the relationship between the two former champions has gradually shifted into something closer to mutual respect and collaboration.

The beach training footage featuring both fighters running side by side and working in the gym represents one of boxing’s most surprising bromances.

Usyk twice defeated Joshua in world title fights and altered the direction of Joshua’s career during that period, yet instead of remaining separated after those bouts, the two fighters have continued appearing publicly together during training sessions and camps, creating one of the more unexpected friendships currently visible in the heavyweight division.

Both men earned gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and are now training together in Spain as two-time rivals who have evolved far beyond their competitive past. The transformation speaks to something deeper than typical post-fight reconciliation.

Speaking about Joshua, Usyk said “Now he’s my big, big brother. Not my rival, not my opponent. He’s my partner. My brother. Anthony is a champion. He doesn’t have belts now. Doesn’t matter. Champion is a man who never gives up”.

Joshua has joined Usyk’s training team as they prepare for potential fights ahead, with Usyk vowing to help his former rival and offering public backing for Joshua’s comeback goals. Usyk told Sky Sports that they “help each other, work, and joke, and it’s a great time” now that they are “friends” instead of rivals and opponents.

This partnership is built on a long-term business agreement and mutual respect, with Joshua’s 258 Management and Usyk’s Usyk17 Promotions merging resources for a joint venture aimed at scouting and developing heavyweight talent across Europe and Africa.

The collaboration signals that a third fight between them is unlikely, as the two are instead positioning themselves as elder statesmen of heavyweight boxing. For Joshua, who has been looking to rebuild momentum, training with someone who defeated him twice could offer both technical insight and mental clarity, while for Usyk, it further reflects his respect for Joshua not just as a fighter, but as a person. In a sport often defined by lingering animosity, their Rocky-themed beach run represents something refreshingly different.

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