Former heavyweight rivals train together again ahead of Usyk’s May 23 fight with Rico Verhoeven
Oleksandr Usyk posted a Rocky-themed training video Saturday showing himself and Anthony Joshua running together on a beach and working in the gym. The clip continued the unexpected partnership that has developed between the former heavyweight rivals in recent months.
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.
Rocky Theme
The use of Rocky music in the clip immediately stood out because of the history between the two fighters. Boxing documentaries and promotional series often portray heavyweight rivals as permanently hostile after major defeats, but the Usyk-Joshua relationship has taken a different direction over the last year.
This isn’t a movie remake, it’s a new story being created right now. pic.twitter.com/q1BSX1D7Qc
— Oleksandr Usyk (@usykaa) May 9, 2026
Usyk appeared to lean into that contrast by combining the training footage with one of boxing cinema’s most recognizable soundtracks.
Training Together
Joshua has spent portions of 2026 training alongside Usyk in locations including Valencia and Kyiv as he prepares for his own comeback later this year.
Promoters and people close to Joshua’s camp have repeatedly pointed toward the work with Usyk as a positive influence on AJ’s preparation following several inconsistent performances in recent years.
Usyk, meanwhile, remains active while preparing for his May 23 crossover fight against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Different Dynamic
The partnership still remains unusual in modern heavyweight boxing, considering Usyk twice defeated Joshua in world title fights and altered the direction of AJ’s career during that period.
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.