Former two-weight world champion Buddy McGirt has backed Anthony Joshua to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in a potential third meeting between the two heavyweights, despite the Ukrainian’s dominant record against the Briton.

McGirt, a respected trainer in boxing circles, believes Joshua possesses the qualities needed to trouble the undisputed heavyweight champion, who has looked ‘nothing short of sensational’ throughout his career.

“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,” McGirt told Boxing News.

When pressed by the interviewer who asked “Anthony Joshua?”, the American nodded in confirmation before adding,

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

The comments come despite Usyk’s impressive resume, which includes dominating victories over Marco Huck, winning the World Boxing Super Series, and defeating Tyson Fury twice to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship.

The southpaw has already beaten Joshua on two occasions, first in September 2021 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he claimed the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, before defending them successfully in their rematch in Saudi Arabia in August 2022.

However, McGirt’s belief that Joshua could triumph in a trilogy fight reflects the enduring appeal of the former unified champion, who remains one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing despite those setbacks.

Whether Joshua will get another opportunity to face Usyk remains uncertain, with the Ukrainian champion focusing on other potential opponents for now.

The heavyweight division continues to generate debate about future matchups, with rising prospect Moses Itauma also being tipped by some, including Tyson Fury, as a future threat to the established stars of the division.

For Joshua, any path back to facing Usyk would likely require impressive victories against other top contenders to earn another shot at the man who twice denied him undisputed glory.