Dutch combat sports legend links up with Anthony Joshua for a possible boxing comeback in Dubai ahead of his Tyson Fury fight

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Alistair Overeem has linked up with Anthony Joshua in Dubai as the former UFC heavyweight continues preparing for a possible boxing comeback. The Dutch combat sports legend has spent time around Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk’s training camp while learning from the experienced team.Overeem, who retired from combat sports in 2023 after a 25-year career, is now considering a return to the ring. His meeting with Joshua comes as AJ prepares for his long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury. Overeem has been impressed by Joshua’s development and believes the British heavyweight has become calmer, mentally stronger and more dangerous.

Alistair Overeem has enjoyed a career across kickboxing and MMA. He competed at the highest level for more than two decades and became one of the most recognisable heavyweights in combat sports.The 46-year-old officially retired in October 2023. However, he is now exploring a return to boxing. One of his targets is a potential grudge fight with kickboxing rival Rico Verhoeven.

As part of his preparations, Overeem recently spent time with Usyk’s team. Joshua has also been working with the Ukrainian’s camp. The two-time heavyweight world champion joined Usyk’s training setup last summer.Overeem previously revealed that he has already trained with the team.

“We just also did a short training camp with Usyk. I’ll be looking to train with them for a potential comeback fight”, he said.The experience has clearly left an impression on Overeem. He said the opportunity has helped him continue learning despite his long career in combat sports.“My fight journey has been a lot of learning through the years and I noticed, ‘Hey, I’m learning it.’ And that fuels creativity, it fuels happiness.

So, I totally get motivated being in that camp”, he added.Overeem has also been watching Joshua’s progress closely.Joshua has recorded victories over Jake Paul and Kristian Prenga under the guidance of Usyk’s team. His second-round knockout win over Prenga has kept him on course for another major heavyweight contest. That fight will be against Tyson Fury.

Joshua and Fury have been linked with a meeting for years. The rivalry has gone through several failed negotiations before the long-awaited fight was finally scheduled.Overeem believes Joshua has what it takes to succeed against Fury.“AJ is going to win that fight. It’s going to be exciting. Just more athleticism, more firepower, and seems to now also mentally stable, more calm. I think he has grown as a fighter”, he said.The comments come with Overeem having first-hand experience of the heavyweight division. He has also shared the ring with some of the biggest names in MMA and kickboxing.His own comeback plans remain connected to Verhoeven. The pair have twice been scheduled to fight, but both bouts collapsed.