David Haye has drawn parallels between his own past rivalry with Derek Chisora and the ongoing career revival of Anthony Joshua, suggesting that Oleksandr Usyk could similarly play a pivotal role in refining Joshua’s skills. Haye, who defeated Chisora twice following a violent backstage altercation in 2012, described how a fierce mutual respect developed between the two fighters despite their turbulent history. Years later, Chisora sought Haye’s guidance as a mentor and manager, resulting in an unlikely but enduring friendship.

In the case of Joshua and Usyk, the dynamic is notably different but no less significant. Usyk decisively outpointed Joshua over 24 rounds in 2022, yet the pair have maintained respect. After Joshua’s tough defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024, he spent two weeks training at Usyk’s camp in Valencia, a move Haye believes has been crucial to Joshua’s rebuilding process.

Joshua is set to make his return to the ring on Sunday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, facing Albanian contender Kristian Prenga. The 36-year-old Watford native’s comeback bout marks an important step as he eyes a potential showdown with Tyson Fury before the end of 2026.

Haye highlighted the value of Joshua’s outreach to Usyk, noting that learning from opponents who have bested him, as well as from rivals like Fury and Dubois, presents an opportunity to develop new dimensions to his fighting style. “If anyone can teach Anthony how to add another string to his bow, it’s someone who has beaten him,” Haye said.

Joshua has endured nearly a decade of verbal jabs from Fury, who continues to provoke him ahead of their eagerly anticipated clash. Despite Fury’s attempts to draw Joshua into public banter, Joshua has remained focused and composed, rejecting the trash talk. “Let him talk,” Joshua said when asked about Fury’s recent comments. “My job is to beat him in the ring.”

Longtime friend and former Watford footballer Troy Deeney echoed this view, suggesting Joshua remains confident and may channel a more aggressive, street-fighting edge in the ring, a contrast to his typically reserved demeanor outside it. Joshua acknowledged that while he currently prefers to concentrate on training and preparation, he intends to become more vocal in media engagements once his active boxing career winds down.

“My main focus right now is the sport — and it’s draining,” Joshua said. “I don’t have the energy to engage with all the noise. But once this part of my life is done, you’ll hear a lot more.”

As Joshua prepares for his Jeddah fight, the goal remains clear: to demonstrate his evolution as a fighter and ultimately settle the rivalry with Fury through performance rather than words.