World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) and his unbeaten challenger from America Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 KOs) will be facing each other in the ring this Saturday, June 25 from the O2 Arena in London.
Joshua remain undefeated in his short career and he is up against a fighter who is expected to give a tough time to the CHAMP. Although many still believe Joshua is the favorite for this bout but one little mistake can turn tables in this sport and ‘Trouble’ has got the power to stun anyone. He already has the height and reach advantage over the Englishman and in his previous fights he has proved that he take powerful shots. However, he has never faced someone like AJ who is blessed with incredible power and athleticism.
Both fighters participated in a media conference yesterday and explained their preparations for the fight and how they are feeling ahead of the fight.
Joshua said: “I feel great condition wise, and mentally I’m in a good place. I’ve never felt so relaxed because I just know I’m capable of doing it. I’ve trained weeks and years and it’s just about getting it right on the night of the fight. My tactics and my mind have not let me down so far, so that’s why I don’t want to change anything.”
“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. I’m going to attack the fight the same way I have my last 16 and put on an explosive show. That’s what the Americans love. They like knockouts and I won’t let them down.”
“Every fight can be my last fight. As much as I would like to tell you I’m confident and ‘I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that’ I do understand I have to approach this as if it could be my last fight.”
“I know he can hang around, he doesn’t go down easy. He’s a big guy, he can eat shots. The Dominic Breazeale I’m used to watching on YouTube and I’m reading about is the enhanced Dominic Breazeale – the Dominic Breazeale that is 50 percent better because I think he knows he wants to come prove himself on a global stage. And this is his chance come Saturday, so I need to prepare for the best of Breazeale.”
Breazeale talked about his preparation and matchup, he said: “I’m out here very excited. I can’t wait to get in the ring June 25 and shock the world, that’s for sure. I’ve been lucky enough to prepare for the biggest fight of my life and I’m really super excited about it.”
“Honestly, the way I see it is that someone didn’t do their research. They didn’t look deep enough. They didn’t find out enough about me and maybe they’re looking at me as just another football player that transitioned into boxing. And I’m hoping they’re overlooking me. It definitely can be a situation where they’re just watching one fight, especially my last fight. But there’s been a lot of tough ones. If they’re looking at that one situation, I’m glad because that’s to my liking.”
Few hours later AJ vs. Breazeale, there will be another blockbuster showdown between the WBA Welterweight Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and former Champ Shawn “Showtime” Porter. If Joshua is able to defend his title, it is expected he will target bigger names in the world of heavyweight boxing. He has already said that he wishes to unify the titles in heavyweight division and become undisputed champion of the world. Fights with Deontay Wilder (WBA) and Tyson Fury (WBA, WBO, and IBO) are expected in 2017.