Nigerian-born world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has admitted that he ‘copied’ a sizzling move made popular by retired American pugilist, Flyod ‘Money Man’ Mayweather in his victory over Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev, megasportsarena.com reports.
While making new claims ahead of his much-expected title unification fight with fellow-Brit, Tyson ‘Gypsy King’ Fury, ‘AJ’ explained how he bludgeoned Pulev with what he called one of Mayweather’s signature moves, and restated his admiration for the American boxing legend.
Indeed, Mayweather had been a surprise spectator at Joshua’s successful defence of his World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight titles against Pulev in December.
Joshua, who previously told Sky Sports in 2017 that ‘Mayweather is a master of boxing. He is phenomenal,’ knocked out Pulev then joined ‘The Money Man’ at ringside, where he received more words of wisdom from the American with the 50-0 record backstage after the fight.
Back then, Mayweather told Sky Sports: “I’m proud of Joshua. He is one of the best heavyweights out there. He won [an Olympic] gold medal, his career is going great, a two-time heavyweight champion. He is a hell of a fighter. He is a gentleman and I enjoy his craft.”
Joshua has now told his personal YouTube channel: “It was the first time we were allowed fans back and Mayweather was in the stadium. It was an honour to have him in the house. I respect him highly for what he has achieved.
“He came to see me perform and I pulled off one of his favourite moves – the pull-counter. If you watch boxing you will know that is one of Mayweather’s signature moves.”
