Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has tipped Anthony Joshua to defeat Daniel Dubois in their IBF world title showdown in September.
The bulky Ukrainian vacated the belt, which he defended, by beating Tyson Fury by split decision in May 2024.
He also has a special message for The Gypsy King ahead of their December face-off.
Briefly becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, Usyk replied to Fury’s Instagram story, putting his victor “on notice” months in advance of their rematch.
But before that WBC sequel to the “Ring of Fire” set for December 21, the 37-year-old believes Joshua will win the battle of the Brits.
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“I think it’s AJ,” Usyk told Sky News. “I respect both of these guys, but I predict Anthony.”
And in response to the IBF stripping him of his title due to the unified king failing to fight Dubois, the organisation’s mandatory next challenger, Usyk said it was “great” for the sport.
Usyk continued: “It’s good. IBF does not take my belt, I give my belt for Anthony Joshua and Dubois.
“Because for me, it’s important that my sport, boxing, develops. But if I take four belts, okay, what? I have four. I must defend IBF. Now it’s not possible because we have rematch.
“Okay, no problem. It’s good when different sportsmen have belts. For me, it’s good. For boxing, it’s great.”
Instead, the 37-year-old has full concentration on his battle with Fury, who called out The Cat on social media on Wednesday.
But in keeping with the fighter’s current laidback headspace, Usyk replied to his “friend” Fury with only a minor jab at the Brit’s eating habits.
The champion posted on Instagram: “Hey, my friend, greedy belly, continue training. I’m rest, brother (sic). I know you hard work (sic). It’s good. I appreciate it. Thank you so much, greedy belly. You are my friend.”
Usyk’s generosity has extended beyond his rivals to encompass his compatriots fighting at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.