Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua is already in sensational shape ahead of his title fight next month against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev, megasportsarena.com reports.
This is he verdict of Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who declared emphatically that the holder of three world title belts is primed and ready to take Pulev to the cleaners come December 12 at Wembley Stadium in London.
Indeed, ‘AJ’ gave a glimpse of his destructive skills when Hearn visited Joshua’s headquarters in Sheffield on Wednesday, with his World Boxing Association (WBA),International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) title defence against Pulev edging closer.
Pulev has defeated Derek Chisora and Hughie Fury since his sole defeat against Wladimir Klitschko, back in 2014, but Hearn believes Joshua intends to inflict a crushing loss on his IBF mandatory
Joshua’s ultimate ambition remains an undisputed world title fight against WBC champion Tyson Fury, who this week abandoned plans for a homecoming clash with Agit Kabayel in December, but Hearn admits his ward must firstly produce an explosive performance against Pulev, without the backing of a huge crowd, as he attempts to secure a showdown with Fury in early 2021.
Hearn told Sky Sports: “I went to see him yesterday, he looked absolutely sensational. He’s moving so well. We know he’s brought in a couple of new trainers with Rob McCracken leading the way.
“He’s learning, he’s punching so hard, so sharp, so fast. I think this is going to be a tough fight against Kubrat Pulev. I also think he is going to absolutely destroy him. I think he’s going to break him down, he’s going to dissect him, and he’s going to punish him.
“I think you’re going to see a statement. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but I really do. That’s what I think. AJ will always be a relaxed, humble guy, but I really believe having seen the improvement that he’s made, the spite in his punches.
“I think you’re going to get a thrilling display from Anthony Joshua. I’m nervous, it’s behind closed doors, he’s never experienced this before in the pros. He’s used to walking out in front of 90,000, twenty yards from here.”
