Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British boxer and current WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion, says he is ready to take on one of Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder, the major contenders in the heavyweight division.
The 29-year-old boxer born to Nigerian parents made this known at Thursday night’s press conference towards his upcoming fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. this weekend, a bout he is already looking beyond.
“I think I can beat Ruiz. If Wilder is not available, I want Fury,” he declared.
Wilder, 33, the WBC champion recently recorded a first-round knockout win and has quickly secured his next bout against another weak opponent, but Joshua holds out hope of a major fight happening.
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“I said I want to meet Wilder, chat to him and the next day he announces a fight with no date or venue attached to it. I still say there is hope but I think the next person I want then is Fury.”
The 2012 London Olympics boxing gold medalist and unified boxing champion further stated that both Wilder and Fury are grandstanding, aiming a jab at his fellow Briton and challenger Tyson “Gypsy king” Fury, for calling himself king, and declared the need to put aside egos to make the dream bouts possible for fans.
“When I first fought for the title my promoter, Eddie Hearn, said when you get the title you are in a position of power. I have done that and I feel there is a power struggle with people thinking, even though they aren’t champion, they are king. Let’s put all that stuff aside and get a real solid fight under wraps.”
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Joshua, whose record stands at 22-0 with all but one coming as knock out victories, squares off against challenger, Andy Ruiz Jr, at the Madison Square Garden, New York, on the 1st of June ( 2nd June, 3:00 AM West African Time).
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