Still recognised as one of the ‘faces’ of boxing, Anthony Joshua is set to return to action next weekend. Now, ‘AJ’ has named the man whom he believes to currently be the ‘best fighter in the world’.

Joshua has twice ruled as the unified heavyweight world champion, with an avenged defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr splitting his reign in two. However, two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk later saw his governance of the division come to an end.

Since then, Joshua has suffered a devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois, when challenging for the IBF world title, but then bounced back with victory in an unconventional clash with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul – in his first outing under new trainer, Iegor Golub, who also coaches Usyk.

Speaking with DAZN Boxing, explained his move to work under Golub and alongside Usyk, whilst labelling the latter as the ‘best fighter on the planet’.

“[I went to train with Usyk because] he is the best in the world, so let’s go and see what he is doing, what barriers he is breaking down and what boundaries he is pushing. 

“If I can emulate that in training, I think the results will follow in the ring.”

The Watford-born superstar then went on to reveal what he has been working on since partnering up with team Usyk, believing that time away from the spotlight of the United Kingdom has served him well.

“One of my main issues was conditioning and their conditioning was supreme. I’m not talking about just doing S&C [Strength and Conditioning] and circuits in the gym for the sake of it – I’m talking about boxing conditioning. 

“I have been there for weeks and weeks sometimes and we don’t even hit a pad. Sparring, bag work, shadowboxing, rounds of technical, improving your focus, improving your boxing IQ – it is good, man. I’ve still got so much room to improve, I’m getting my legs back, I’m getting my mind back in the game and staying away from home helps me get that focus that I need.” 

Joshua fights Kristian Prenga next Saturday in Riyadh, topping a 12-bout undercard that will be available to watch via DAZN PPV.