Joshua Eyes First-Round Knockout In Fury Blockbuster

Anthony Joshua has predicted a spectacular early finish when he faces Tyson Fury in their long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.

The two-time world champion spoke confidently about the fight after he and Fury came face to face in London on Wednesday for the first time since their blockbuster clash was officially confirmed.

The contest had appeared in danger of collapsing over the choice of venue, with Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, insisting that the fight should take place in the United Kingdom.

Joshua said staging the bout in Britain was particularly important because of the fans.

“It meant a lot to me because of the fans. Bringing it to the UK meant a lot to me for the fans,” he told Sky Sports News.

“For me personally, as much as it is just another fight because I do not like to make too much of it, it would be amazing to get the victory in spectacular fashion.”

Asked how he expected the fight to unfold, Joshua was emphatic.

“A knockout, if I am honest with you. Could be in the first round,” he said, confirming that an early stoppage is part of his game plan.

Joshua also revealed that he had remained determined to make the fight happen even if his preferred UK venue had not been secured.

“I wanted to do everything I could to make it happen, and part of that was it being in the UK, and we got that, so we are here,” he said.

“But I was not completely willing to walk away from it because it still needed to go ahead. You just listen to the cries and the conversation of those people who love boxing and love competition.”

Fury has been installed as an early favourite by bookmakers, with Joshua’s recent record of being knocked down in two of his last three fights among the factors being discussed ahead of the bout.

Joshua, however, acknowledged that he has vulnerabilities while insisting that his career is far from over, regardless of the outcome against Fury.

“Durable, hard to beat, can show vulnerabilities, but makes it exciting for the fans at home. There is more to come. The Anthony Joshua journey does not end here,” he said.

The former unified heavyweight champion also praised Fury’s versatility and movement.

“He performs to the level he is at as well, if I am honest. He is versatile, and he is a good little mover around in the ring,” Joshua said.

Wednesday’s face-off was intense but largely respectful, with both fighters staring each other down without any major incident. Joshua also briefly lightened the atmosphere with a playful interaction that drew smiles from Fury.

Fury, meanwhile, has promised fireworks when the two heavyweight stars finally share the ring.