Anthony Joshua says his mind is solely on picking up his first major belt when he takes on Gary Cornish for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title at the O2 Arena in London tomorrow night.
The duo lock horns for the strap on the biggest night of their professional careers, and fellow unbeaten heavyweight Dillian Whyte also in action on the bill against Brian Minto, ready to face the victor for the vacant British title at the same arena on December 12.
Olympic hero Joshua insists he is not looking beyond Cornish, saying:
“I see Cornish as an opponent I need to get out of the way,” said Joshua. “What we have always said in the gym is if I can’t get past these type of opponents then I have no chance of doing well in boxing. I have to look at him as a threat I need to get out of there as soon as possible.
“People say I need rounds but they will naturally come. I am never going to go in there and try and drag out a fight, especially in the professional ring. We are both big, heavy-handed guys. If everything goes to plan it shouldn’t go longer than my previous fights.
“I don’t think Cornish has been in with anybody who is too different and I think I will bring something different and I have the tools to get him out of there.
“Cornish is a threat, like any opponent, but I need to get rid of him in order to keep knocking on the door for world titles. Saturday is my 14th professional fight and hopefully by the end of this year I will be at 15.
“I don’t like to put a time on it but maybe next year a world title could happen. In terms of fights, 18 or 20 fights in would be a realistic time to fight for a world title.
