Anthony Joshua welcomes Tyson Fury’s knockout threat ahead of long-awaited showdown
Anthony Joshua has welcomed Tyson Fury’s promise to deliver an all-out attack in Cardiff, insisting the heavyweight rival’s threats will provide extra motivation during the final stages of his preparation.
Joshua remained composed throughout Wednesday’s first press conference in London, despite Fury repeatedly claiming he would knock him out when the pair finally meet at Principality Stadium on December 11.
Fury promised to “blast” Joshua out and said he expected to catch him before declaring that it would be “curtains”.
What Joshua expected
Rather than dismissing the threat, Joshua believes Fury’s aggressive words can help drive him through his training camp.
“This is the energy that we want,” Joshua said.
“There's nothing else I'd expect from this man than him to say he's going to render me unconscious and do everything he can to stick me to the canvas.
“This is what is going to keep me running, this is what is going to keep me sparring and this is going to keep me doing those extra rounds in the gym.”
Experienced gained
Joshua also rejected Fury’s suggestions that questions remain over his ability to withstand punishment, arguing that his focus is on the knowledge accumulated throughout his career.
“People have their views and views are respected, but that's their opinion,” Joshua said.
“I can only listen to myself and nobody knows more about boxing than me. I'm great, I'm good.”
The 36-year-old added that working with different coaches throughout his career had given him a broad understanding of the sport which he intends to take into the biggest fight of his career.
“I've been from gym to gym and been from coach to coach, and I can honestly say I've learned so much,” he said.
“I'm going to take everything I've learned into this fight.”
Final hoorah
Joshua also insisted the long wait for the fight has not diminished its importance.
Fury described the contest as the “icing on the cake” of two great careers, while Joshua said he was grateful for the opportunity and ready to embrace the challenge.
The two former world champions will settle their rivalry in Cardiff on December 11.
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