“USYK JUST REVEALED A FATAL WEAKNESS!” — Anthony Joshua Backed to Knock Out Tyson Fury as the Heavyweight Mega-Fight Draws Closer

Oleksandr Usyk Sends a Chilling Prediction Ahead of Joshua vs Fury

The heavyweight boxing world has been given another major talking point as Oleksandr Usyk publicly backed Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury by knockout, adding another layer of intrigue to one of the most anticipated fights in modern British boxing.

Usyk’s prediction came after Joshua survived a dramatic opening round against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia before recovering to score a second-round knockout. Rather than questioning Joshua’s vulnerability after the two knockdowns, Usyk appeared to see the performance as evidence that his former rival still possesses the resilience and finishing power required to compete at the highest level.

The prediction is particularly significant because Usyk has already shared the ring with both Joshua and Fury. He defeated Joshua twice during their world-title rivalry and later defeated Fury twice in undisputed heavyweight championship bouts.

That gives Usyk a unique perspective that few people in boxing can match.

And his message was remarkably direct.

Usyk believes Joshua can stop Fury.

The prediction immediately raises the biggest question surrounding the potential blockbuster: What does Usyk see in Fury that makes him believe Joshua can find the knockout?

The Prediction That Has Put Fury Under the Spotlight

Usyk’s comments were made in the aftermath of Joshua’s chaotic victory over Prenga.

Joshua was expected to control the contest, but the fight quickly became far more dangerous than anticipated. The British heavyweight was knocked down twice in the first round, creating genuine concern that the planned Joshua–Fury showdown could disappear before it even reached the ring.

Instead, Joshua responded with devastating force.

He recovered from the early trouble and produced a second-round stoppage, turning a potentially disastrous night into one of the most dramatic victories of his career.

Usyk subsequently praised Joshua and made it clear that he believed the former two-time world champion had regained his confidence.

According to Boxing News Online, Usyk described Joshua as being “back” and went further by predicting that Joshua would become undisputed champion before stopping Fury.

That prediction has now become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the proposed Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury showdown.

However, there is an important distinction.

Usyk did not publicly reveal a proven “fatal weakness” in Fury.

That phrase is best understood as a dramatic interpretation of the prediction rather than a confirmed technical revelation from Usyk. What Usyk actually provided was something arguably even more interesting: his personal assessment of how the fight could unfold based on his own experiences against both men.

Why Usyk’s Opinion Carries So Much Weight

There are plenty of fighters, trainers and promoters willing to make predictions about Joshua and Fury.

Usyk is different.

The Ukrainian has fought both men at the highest possible level.

He defeated Joshua by unanimous decision in their first meeting in 2021 before winning the rematch in 2022. He then faced Fury in two enormous heavyweight championship contests, winning both encounters.

That means Usyk has experienced Fury’s size, movement, awkwardness and physical strength firsthand.

He has also experienced Joshua’s punching power, timing, technique and ability to adapt.

For that reason, when Usyk predicts that Joshua can knock Fury out, fans naturally pay attention.

It does not guarantee that the prediction will become reality.

But it gives the discussion an additional layer of credibility.

Usyk knows what it is like to deal with Fury’s unusual style. He also knows what Joshua can produce when the British heavyweight is able to establish his rhythm and land clean combinations.

The question now becomes whether Joshua can reproduce his best qualities against a fighter who is considerably larger, more unpredictable and experienced at manipulating distance.

Joshua’s Biggest Problem May Also Be His Biggest Strength

Ironically, Joshua’s fight with Prenga may have revealed both the greatest danger and the greatest weapon he brings into the Fury fight.

The danger is obvious.

Joshua was hurt badly.

Being dropped twice by an underdog heavyweight raises legitimate questions about his punch resistance, defensive reactions and ability to recover after taking a clean shot.

Those concerns are especially relevant against Fury.

Fury is not known simply for raw punching power. His greatest advantage has traditionally been his ability to create awkward situations, change distance and force opponents to fight at an uncomfortable rhythm.

The Guardian subsequently highlighted concerns over Joshua’s punch resistance following the Prenga contest, suggesting that this could become a major issue against Fury.

But there is another side to the story.

Joshua demonstrated that he could survive an early crisis and immediately turn the fight around.

That mental response may be just as important as his physical abilities.

Instead of panicking after being dropped, Joshua recovered and became increasingly aggressive. He found his range, connected with powerful shots and ended the fight before Prenga could create another major problem.

That is exactly the kind of resilience Joshua will need against Fury.

Fury Has His Own Questions to Answer

While much of the conversation has focused on Joshua’s vulnerability, Fury enters the potential mega-fight with questions of his own.

Fury returned from retirement in 2026 and defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov before facing veteran Mariusz Wach in a tune-up contest in Thailand.

Fury won comfortably against Wach, who did not come out for the eighth round.

On paper, the victory kept Fury moving toward the Joshua showdown.

But it did not completely eliminate concerns about how the 37-year-old will perform against another elite heavyweight.

Fury has endured an extraordinary amount of punishment throughout his career.

His two fights with Usyk were physically demanding, while his trilogy with Deontay Wilder also produced some of the most brutal heavyweight exchanges of the modern era.

The Fury who eventually steps into the ring with Joshua will therefore be an older version of the fighter who became world champion and defeated some of the biggest punchers in the division.

That does not mean Fury is finished.

It means the margin for error may be smaller.

The Most Dangerous Weapon in Joshua’s Arsenal

If Joshua is going to fulfill Usyk’s prediction, his right hand could become one of the most important weapons of the fight.

Joshua has always possessed elite heavyweight power.

When he can establish distance and connect cleanly, very few heavyweights can absorb his combinations without consequences.

His victory over Prenga demonstrated that power remains intact.

The key issue is whether Joshua can deliver it consistently against Fury.

Fury’s height, reach and movement make him a difficult target. He can fight at range, lean on opponents physically and change his rhythm in ways that can frustrate technically polished fighters.

Joshua cannot simply walk forward looking for one perfect punch.

He will likely need patience.

He will need to control his breathing.

He will need to avoid wasting energy.

And most importantly, he will need to remain disciplined when Fury begins using psychological and tactical pressure.

Fury’s Size Could Create a Completely Different Fight

The contrast in styles could make the Joshua–Fury fight fascinating.

Joshua is a physically imposing heavyweight with explosive punching power and a technically polished combination game.

Fury is even larger and has historically been more comfortable fighting from unusual positions.

That creates an intriguing tactical battle.

Joshua may attempt to establish the center of the ring and force Fury backward.

Fury could instead attempt to make Joshua uncomfortable, using movement and physical pressure to prevent him from planting his feet.

If Fury succeeds, Joshua could find himself waiting too long for opportunities.

If Joshua manages to control the distance, however, the danger changes dramatically.

One clean combination could completely alter the fight.

That is perhaps the most important reason Usyk’s prediction has generated so much attention.

The Prenga Fight Changed the Conversation

Before Joshua fought Prenga, much of the anticipation surrounding Fury vs Joshua centered on whether the fight would finally happen.

The contractual agreement had already been announced earlier in 2026, with both camps working toward a later-year heavyweight blockbuster. BBC Sport reported in April that Joshua had signed a deal to fight Fury, while Joshua first had to get through Prenga.

There was even a warning from promoter Frank Warren that a Joshua defeat against Prenga would effectively destroy the Fury fight.

Joshua therefore entered the Prenga contest under enormous pressure.

A defeat would have potentially ended the biggest fight in British boxing.

Instead, Joshua survived one of the most dramatic moments of his recent career and delivered the knockout needed to keep the blockbuster alive.

That result has changed the narrative.

The question is no longer simply whether Joshua can reach Fury.

Now fans are asking whether Joshua can actually defeat him.

Is Usyk Trying to Help Joshua?

Another fascinating element is Usyk’s relationship with Joshua.

The two men were once bitter rivals.

Their first two fights were world-title contests that helped define the heavyweight division. Yet they have since developed a professional relationship, with Joshua working alongside Usyk’s team during his preparation.

That relationship naturally raises questions about Usyk’s prediction.

Is he giving an honest technical assessment?

Is he supporting a former rival who has become a training partner?

Or does Usyk genuinely believe Joshua possesses the style necessary to cause Fury problems?

There is no evidence that Usyk’s prediction is anything more than his stated opinion.

But his history with both fighters makes the statement impossible to ignore.

Fury vs Joshua Could Become a Battle of Survival

The heavyweight division has repeatedly demonstrated that predictions can collapse in seconds.

Joshua’s first round against Prenga is the latest example.

The pre-fight expectations suggested a straightforward return.

Instead, Joshua was suddenly fighting for survival.

That experience could ultimately help him against Fury.

Joshua now knows that he cannot afford to underestimate an opponent.

He also knows that one mistake can change everything.

Fury, meanwhile, has spent years dealing with similar expectations.

He has repeatedly been written off, criticized and questioned before producing performances that silence his doubters.

That psychological battle could become almost as important as the physical one.

The Biggest Question: Who Lands First?

If the fight becomes a tactical chess match, Fury could have significant advantages.

But if Joshua lands a clean combination early, everything changes.

That is why Usyk’s knockout prediction cannot simply be dismissed.

Joshua does not need to dominate every minute to win.

He may only need one opportunity.

Fury knows that better than almost anyone.

His career has been built around surviving difficult moments, but Joshua possesses enough power to make survival extremely difficult if he connects correctly.

The same is true in reverse.

Fury’s ability to land accurately could expose Joshua’s defensive weaknesses.

The fight could therefore become a fascinating collision between Joshua’s power and Fury’s unpredictability.

The Mega-Fight Is Finally Becoming Real

For years, Joshua vs Fury existed as one of boxing’s biggest “what if” fights.

Negotiations repeatedly stalled.

Different opponents appeared.

Careers changed direction.

Titles moved between fighters.

Retirement announcements complicated the picture.

But in 2026, the matchup finally moved closer to reality.

Joshua and Fury have both completed major preparation fights, and Joshua’s dramatic victory over Prenga removed one of the final immediate obstacles. Fury also completed his tune-up against Wach.

The exact location and final event details have remained a major topic of debate, with the United Kingdom and the United States both discussed as possible destinations. Recent reports have highlighted disagreement surrounding the potential venue, with Eddie Hearn pushing for the fight to remain in Britain.

That controversy has only added more drama to the build-up.

Usyk Has Spoken — Now Joshua and Fury Must Answer

Usyk’s prediction has placed another spotlight on the heavyweight rivalry.

He has effectively backed Joshua to complete the job that so many fans have wanted to see for years: defeat Tyson Fury and become the dominant force of the division once again.

But there is still a long way between a prediction and a result.

Joshua has vulnerabilities.

Fury has vulnerabilities.

Both fighters are older than they were during the peak years of their careers.

Both have endured enormous physical and psychological battles.

And both know that this could be their defining moment.

The most intriguing part of the story may be that Usyk did not need to provide a secret blueprint for the fight to become more fascinating.

His simple prediction was enough.

Joshua will knock out Fury.

Now Fury has the opportunity to prove him wrong.

And Joshua has the opportunity to prove that the dramatic first-round scare against Prenga was not a warning sign, but the beginning of one final heavyweight resurgence.

The countdown to Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury has entered a completely different stage.

The contracts may have brought the fight closer.

The tune-up victories kept it alive.

But Usyk’s prediction has given fans something else to argue about.

Is Anthony Joshua really capable of knocking out Tyson Fury — or is Fury about to expose the weaknesses that Joshua showed against Prenga?

That question could dominate the heavyweight division until the two British giants finally stand opposite each other under the lights.