Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has opened up with revelation about the tactics he used to overcome Andy Ruiz Jnr of Mexico in their title rematch on December 7, megasportsarena.com reports.
Many boxing purists and fans of the pugilists’ sport the world over have continuously hailed ‘AJ’ for putting up a cautious, schemed and crafty display to overturn the man that despoiled him in their first bout on June 1st in Madison Square Garden, New York, USA, and Joshua has admitted he had to be very witty to overcome the America-born Mexican in the second fight.
Joshua went on to explained how study his opponent’s style, absorbing information and going through preparations like an undergraduate student allowed him to recover from his shock loss in The Big Apple, as he bounced back to reclaim the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles from Ruiz six months after the first defeat of his career.
The 30-year-old champ added: “Now I understand that the good has to come with the bad. It can’t be sunshine forever; there have to be stormy times as well. I went through a rough patch but I dealt with it, and it taught me a lot.
“Information is key. It used to be reserved for kings and queens but now we have access. Absorb that. It will help you in that anxiety moment because subconsciously there might be one piece of information that gets you through.
“Absorb as much information as you can. Learn to be an outgoing person so people give you information. If you’re someone who makes decisions by yourself, trust in your ability and instinct. The mind will play tricks but you have to take control and trust your gut instinct.
“What if I turned around and said: ‘I can’t do this?’ Everybody is there. The opponent is in the ring. You’ve come too far, so you have to just deal with the anxiety. Once you walk down that path you have burned the bridge behind you, so you might as well dominate.
“I don’t want to be remembered for 10 years then fade out. I want to make a mark on eternity. Be dedicated to yourself. That’s not about boxing. Have I read? Have I educated myself? Once I’ve ticked those boxes I can walk into work and perform.
“I listen to a lot of talks or podcasts with insight into how to be strong and stay focused and channel my emotions. I am a sponge that absorbs. Every morning and when I get ready for bed. It plays in the background so subconsciously I take in the information.”
