Ex-Champ McGirt Tips Joshua to Beat Usyk in a Trilogy Clash

The heavyweight boxing landscape is once again buzzing with speculation as Buddy McGirt, a former two-weight world champion and highly respected trainer, has boldly tipped Anthony Joshua to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in a potential third showdown. Despite the Ukrainian champion’s flawless record against Joshua in their previous meetings, McGirt believes the British fighter still holds the tools to overcome one of the greatest technical heavyweights in modern history.

In this article, we will explore McGirt’s comments, analyze Joshua’s chances in a trilogy fight, review Usyk’s dominance, and consider the implications for the future of the heavyweight division.

McGirt’s Bold Prediction

Speaking to Boxing News, McGirt stated:

“You’re going to say I’m crazy, but there’s a guy that can beat him, but he’s already beaten this guy twice, and I’m not talking about Tyson Fury.”

When pressed further, the interviewer asked, “Anthony Joshua?” McGirt nodded and added:

“I’m not going to tell you that, but Anthony Joshua can beat him.”

For many fans, the statement might sound surprising. Usyk has defeated Joshua convincingly in two separate bouts — first in 2021 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to claim the unified heavyweight titles, and again in 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to retain them. Both performances showcased Usyk’s incredible footwork, accuracy, and tactical awareness. Yet McGirt insists that Joshua has the potential to make adjustments and turn the tide in a possible third fight.

The Case for Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua, also known as AJ, remains one of the most physically imposing heavyweights in the sport. Standing at 6’6’’ and weighing around 245 lbs, Joshua has the size, power, and athleticism to trouble any opponent. McGirt’s confidence in Joshua stems from a belief that the Briton can still evolve as a fighter.

Joshua has made significant changes to his training team over the years, seeking new approaches to refine his boxing skills. With wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Dillian Whyte, and Andy Ruiz Jr., his resume already places him among the top heavyweights of his generation.

For McGirt, the key lies in Joshua’s mindset and tactical approach. He suggests that if Joshua can impose his physical advantages, stay aggressive, and avoid being drawn into Usyk’s rhythm, the Briton may finally achieve the breakthrough needed to defeat the Ukrainian master.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Dominance

Before considering Joshua’s chances, it is important to acknowledge the brilliance of Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian southpaw is a two-time undisputed champion, first conquering the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight, where he has beaten some of the sport’s biggest names.

Usyk’s career highlights include:

• Winning the World Boxing Super Series at cruiserweight.

• Becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion, defeating Murat Gassiev in a masterclass performance.

• Moving up to heavyweight and defeating Anthony Joshua twice to capture and defend unified titles.

• Beating Tyson Fury twice to establish himself as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Usyk’s style is defined by his footwork, precision, ring IQ, and adaptability. He rarely engages recklessly, instead wearing opponents down mentally and physically. This tactical brilliance has allowed him to neutralize bigger and stronger fighters, including Joshua.

Could Joshua Really Beat Usyk?

The question that McGirt poses — whether Joshua can beat Usyk — opens a fascinating debate in the boxing world. On paper, Usyk has the stylistic advantage. His ability to move in and out of range, create angles, and frustrate opponents makes him difficult to pin down. Joshua’s previous attempts showed moments of promise but ultimately ended with Usyk dictating the pace.

However, McGirt’s belief is not without logic. Joshua does have paths to victory if he can:

1. Apply relentless pressure – Usyk thrives when he controls the tempo. Joshua would need to disrupt that by cutting off the ring and forcing exchanges.

2. Use his physicality – At his best, Joshua is an explosive puncher who can overwhelm opponents with combinations. Bringing this back into his game could trouble Usyk.

3. Stay mentally composed – In past losses, Joshua appeared hesitant and cautious. Confidence and aggression would be crucial against Usyk.

4. Improve stamina – Usyk often takes over fights in the later rounds. Joshua would need the conditioning to keep pace and not fade under pressure.

These factors make the hypothetical trilogy intriguing, even though most experts would still back Usyk as the favorite.

The Heavyweight Division Landscape

The heavyweight division is as exciting as it has been in decades, with multiple stars vying for supremacy. Alongside Usyk and Joshua, names like Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder, and rising prospect Moses Itauma continue to shape the conversation.

• Tyson Fury has already hinted at a trilogy with Usyk in 2026, which could be one of the biggest events in boxing history.

• Joseph Parker is waiting as a mandatory challenger and has the skills to test the champion.

• Moses Itauma, the young rising star, is seen as a potential future world champion and has received praise from Fury himself.

In such a crowded field, Joshua’s ability to secure another fight with Usyk may depend on his performances against other top contenders. Wins over fighters like Deontay Wilder or Zhilei Zhang could strengthen his case for a third showdown.

What Joshua Needs to Do Next

For Joshua, the road back to the top is challenging but not impossible. To earn another shot at Usyk, he will likely need to:

• Defeat a major contender – A fight against Wilder, Parker, or another top-10 heavyweight could restore momentum.

• Showcase a dominant performance – Fans and promoters want to see the aggressive, knockout-focused Joshua return.

• Stay active – Long layoffs have hindered his career before. Staying in the ring regularly will keep him sharp.

If these steps fall into place, the prospect of Joshua vs Usyk III becomes far more realistic.

McGirt’s Perspective and Its Impact

McGirt’s comments add fuel to the ongoing debate about Usyk’s dominance and Joshua’s chances of redemption. As a former champion and experienced trainer, McGirt’s words carry weight. His confidence in Joshua could also serve as motivation for the Briton, reminding him that the boxing world has not completely written him off.

Boxing thrives on rivalries and comeback stories, and a Joshua victory over Usyk in a trilogy would be one of the sport’s greatest redemption arcs.

Final Thoughts

The heavyweight division has always been the stage for boxing’s most dramatic storylines, and the potential of Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk III fits perfectly into that tradition. While Usyk remains the technical master and heavy favorite, Buddy McGirt’s belief in Joshua highlights the unpredictability that makes boxing so compelling.

Whether or not Joshua gets another chance to face Usyk, the conversation itself keeps fans engaged and the heavyweight division thriving. For now, Usyk stands as the dominant force, but as McGirt boldly claims, Joshua may still have one final chapter to write.