Former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has officially confirmed a major shake-up in his training setup as he prepares for his highly anticipated December 19 showdown with American social media star turned boxer Jake Paul in Miami. In a move that has stunned many in the boxing world, Joshua revealed that he has parted ways with trainer Ben Davison and is now preparing for the fight alongside the team of his former rival and two-time conqueror, Oleksandr Usyk.
The development comes as Joshua seeks to rebuild momentum more than a year after his last appearance in the ring — a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, a defeat that raised fresh questions about the direction of his career and his future in the heavyweight division. The bout against Paul, which will be streamed globally on Netflix, is expected to attract massive viewership, making Joshua’s decision to overhaul his training camp all the more consequential.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Joshua sought to clarify weeks of speculation surrounding his coaching arrangements. When asked directly whether Davison and analyst-coach Lee Wylie would remain part of his corner, Joshua did not hesitate.
“No, I won’t be trained by Ben Davison,” he said. “I said that London is a bit distracting for me, so I was invited to train with Team Usyk.”
The revelation instantly sent shockwaves across the boxing community. Usyk, who defeated Joshua twice — first in September 2021 to claim the unified heavyweight titles, and again in August 2022 in their rematch — is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation. For Joshua to join the Ukrainian’s camp is both surprising and strategically intriguing.
Joshua explained that the decision was not abrupt but one he had been slowly transitioning into. He confirmed that he has already spent “a couple months” training with members of Usyk’s team, largely at their base in Spain.
“I’ve been in Spain, we’ve been doing some good training,” he said. “And I think he’s one of the best in the world… Not I think, he is one of the best in the world.”
The British heavyweight went on to emphasise that he was drawn not only to Usyk’s abilities but also to the structure and discipline of the camp surrounding him.
“It’s down to his team that’s around him, so I linked up with them,” Joshua continued. “Getting an insight into how someone who’s achieved so much has been phenomenal. It’s been a great experience and very challenging.”
For Joshua, the move represents a radical shift in philosophy. Since turning professional in 2013, he has frequently adjusted his corner — from Rob McCracken, to Robert Garcia, to Derrick James, and most recently Ben Davison. Joining Usyk’s setup signals a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and immerse himself in a system he once faced and failed to overcome.
But Joshua also made one thing clear — he is not sparring nor sharing direct training sessions with Usyk himself.
“No, I don’t spar with Usyk,” he clarified. “He’s training somewhere else at the minute. He’s been in camp, but he’s in and out of camp, so right now he’s training somewhere else.”
Still, the influence of Usyk’s methodology seems to be significant. Those close to Joshua’s camp describe the Ukrainian’s system as highly disciplined, demanding rigorous conditioning, intense footwork drills, strategic ring generalship, and psychological fortitude. It is a style rooted in the rich boxing tradition of Eastern Europe — a stark departure from the environments where Joshua has trained in the past.
Analysts believe the move may be a response to the criticism that Joshua has struggled to adapt since losing his heavyweight titles. Training with the camp of the man who outclassed him twice could provide new insights into technical improvements and mental resilience. It may also offer Joshua an opportunity to rediscover the fluidity and confidence that marked his earlier years as a professional.
With the fight against Jake Paul looming, the stakes are uniquely high. While Paul is not an elite boxer by traditional standards, he has built a reputation as a determined and physically capable competitor. He has defeated several mixed martial arts stars and recently earned a controversial win over Mike Tyson before the bout was stopped due to Tyson’s injury. For Joshua, facing a crossover star like Paul is a high-risk, high-reward scenario. A victory could position him for a major comeback, but a loss would be likely career-ending.
Joshua’s decision to recalibrate his approach is therefore strategic, bold, and reflective of the urgency surrounding this phase of his career. If the partnership with Usyk’s team delivers the tactical refinement and discipline he needs, it may prove to be the turning point that revives his legacy.
As training intensifies in the final weeks leading up to December 19, fans will be watching closely to see what version of Anthony Joshua enters the ring — the aggressive, confident knockout artist of old, or a more evolved, disciplined, and tactically sophisticated fighter shaped by the influence of his former rival’s team.
Regardless of the outcome, Joshua’s latest move underscores one undeniable truth: he remains fully committed to reinventing himself and reclaiming a place among boxing’s elite.
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