Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua expressed his readiness for the upcoming fight with Francis Ngannou. When asked about his feelings heading into the fight, Joshua responded, “Normal, itching to get in there now. Not long left.”
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This fight will be Joshua’s fourth in under twelve months. He attributes his success to staying active, stating, “Activity is the key. On your way up, you’re active, you’re showcasing. Your skills tend to get to the top and it all slows down. First time since 2017 I’ve been fighting three times in a year. It’s crazy, but the activity will pay off and I think everything’s going to work out for me Friday, for sure.”
Joshua also shared insights into his training regimen, saying, “Yes, and we’ve had another good camp. It was a short turnaround, but we had another good camp. And scope. Not much more, I could say.”
When asked about his strategy for the fight, Joshua emphasized his basic boxing ability and the need to be relentless. He said, “Be relentless really and don’t fold. Be relentless. Be me and I’ll get the win. Be hungry. Definitely.”
Joshua also discussed the importance of not getting complacent with success. He believes his boxing ability will be the key to victory, stating, “Not the same style. They’re different beasts as well, but the same thing. Yeah. Boxing ability does pay off. At the end of the day, boxing ability does pay off and it will. Definitely will.”
Anthony Joshua also places a significant emphasis on the mental aspect of boxing. He believes that sports and life are 80% mental and 20% physical. While it’s easy to observe someone’s physicality, understanding their mentality is equally important.
Joshua shared that he spends time studying his opponent’s mentality, observing where they’re at and what they’re saying. He believes that the brain, being the computer that controls all, plays a crucial role in a fight. “So if your mind’s in the right place, if my mind’s in the right place, anyone’s in for a tough night, I could look good. But if I’m not in the right place mentally, I won’t fight good,” Joshua stated.
This approach to understanding his opponent’s mentality extends beyond just watching fight footage. Joshua also watches interviews to get a sense of what’s going on in his opponent’s head. He believes that this comprehensive understanding of his opponent – both their physical abilities and mental state – is key to his success in the ring.
As the fight night approaches, Joshua’s holistic preparation strategy – encompassing both physical training and mental readiness – sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting match. The world eagerly awaits to see how this blend of physical prowess and mental strength will play out in the ring.
The anticipation for the fight is building, and Joshua’s confidence is palpable. The world eagerly awaits to see if his activity, relentless nature, and boxing ability will indeed lead him to victory.
