Robert Garcia trained Anthony Joshua for the Usyk rematch and now predicts a trilogy fight

There is already a lot of talk about what could happen if Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua compete together in the ring for a third time.

The men have already met twice, once in 2021 and once in 2022. The first fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a close 12-round contest with no knockdowns and without too much drama.

Instead, it was a relatively technical contest in which Usyk came out on top and won on points.

Joshua made a change in his corner for the second fight, leaving his long-time trainer Rob McCraken and teaming up with top trainer Robert Garcia. However, the rematch in Saudi Arabia went similarly and AJ again lost on points.

Since then, “AJ” has parted ways with Garcia and Usyk has defended his unified titles against Daniel Dubois and subsequently added the WBC belt to his collection to become undisputed heavyweight king with his victory over Tyson Fury in May.

Now he faces a rematch against Fury in December, while Joshua will try to win the IBF belt the Ukrainian gave him when he fights Daniel Dubois in September.

If both men win, it could well be a three-way fight, which the Ukrainian recently agreed to.

“I don't necessarily want rematches, but if we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and if Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight.

From my point of view, I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights. Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it. And if it happens with God's help, then I'm ready for a third fight with Anthony.”

At the beginning of the year, Garcia predicted that Joshua would win at the third attempt.

“He is the second most talented fighter in the [heavyweight] Division. So much potential, so big, so strong, but he needed that confidence and I think the last fight showed him that he belongs up there. Even though he lost to Usyk, he has to think he's the best. The way he fought, I wouldn't be surprised if he beat Usyk in a third fight because he fought well.”

Garcia said this activity was one of the most important things that helped Joshua.

“That was the only thing Rudy Hernandez and I said to him in the locker room after the Usyk fight. I told everyone to keep him active, to fight him. [Joshua] right away and they did it. Three times [he fought] This year, that was the best thing they could do for him.”

If Joshua beats Dubois, he would be a three-time world champion and would be on the verge of a historic challenge on all four belts that would secure him a place in boxing history.