Anthony Joshua is oozing confidence of beating Tyson Fury after seeing Francis Ngannou’s display in October.
Fury climbed off the canvas to edge out former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou who was making his professional debut by split decision in Riyadh, the site of Joshua’s return to the ring this Saturday against Otto Wallin.
Joshua and Fury have long been on a collision course to meet in one of the biggest all-British fights in history, although a bout has never materialised, after several failed negotiations.
The Watford man insists his full focus is on Wallin, but hinted at a destructive performance against ‘The Gypsy King’, who vies for the undisputed heavyweight championship against Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.
“Trust me, you know what I’m saying,” Joshua told Sky Sports.
“You know what I’m saying.
“The bodybuilders. The muscly Africans are coming back.
“You know what’s going on, I’ve seen it. I know.
“Imagine what I would do, but anyway Otto Wallin, that’s our focus. So I’m going to end it on that.
“That’s my main focus. Otto Wallin. He gave that man, Tyson Fury a good run for his money, he’s a great fighter, respect to him.
“I’m giving him the ultimate respect, even though he doesn’t deserve it but I’m giving it to him in my mind.
“Because I want to be the best version and be ready to put myself on the level I need, in order to be victorious.”
‘AJ’ fights for the third time in 2023 following victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, knowing victory will set up a long-awaited showdown against Deontay Wilder, who faces Joseph Parker on the same bill.
Providing both win and come through without injury, a deal is reportedly in place for the pair to meet on March 9 in Saudi Arabia, according to ESPN.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has denied that a deal is finalised and the former two-time heavyweight world champion would not be drawn on questions about a potential fight with ‘The Bronze Bomber’ when quizzed by reporters including Pro Boxing Fans on Tuesday.
“I can’t talk about that,” he added.
“I feel like it’s going to distract me.
“I’m just trying to keep my focus. I’m not even going to let that thought enter my mind.
“But I think you would know where I’m going if I win this fight. But I’m focused on winning this fight.
“Great, great options but my main focus is Wallin. He’s a good fighter.
“I don’t want to take anything lightly, not even a small percent. I don’t want to underestimate or take my mind off of the task ahead. I want to get this one right.”
