Anthony Joshua is ready to step inside the ropes again this weekend and become the world heavyweight champion for a third time.
The Londoner faces compatriot Daniel Dubois for the IBF title vacated by Oleksandr Usyk, knowing he’ll make history or his career at the top will be all but over. Putting fear to one side, as he explained in his own words during fight week, Joshua is ‘blessed’ to be fighting in ‘a golden era’ for the sport with the involvement of Saudi Arabia.
“It’s really a blessing. It’s a big blessing. We’re the most important thing for people right now, so they’re all here coming out to have a good time with us. It makes me feel important,” Joshua said from his red carpet spot.
“I’ll never forget [where I came from]. I started boxing late, so I used to, well, I still do, look up to a lot of people. I can put myself on the other side of the fence. I’ve been on the other side of the fence. I haven’t always been on the red carpet. I always understand how to treat people now on the red carpet. I’m never going to turn my nose up at people. That’s not my style.”
On how it feels to be nearly a 96,000 record sellout at Wembley, Joshua added, “Massive. It doesn’t feel it at the minute because I’m still in training camp. On Saturday, I’m going to be standing behind a curtain, and they’re going to say, ‘Anthony – ten seconds.’ I’m going to walk out into the stadium, and I’m going to feel that energy.
“That’s when it gets real. At the minute, we’re still hours away, so I’m chilled out. My mentality is if I draw a line and put fear on one side and confidence on the other, I’m still going into the ring. What one am I going to choose? I’m confident. I believe in myself, and I think that’s the right mentality to have.”
Asked about the glitz and glamor His Excellency Turki Alalshikh laid on, Joshua replied, “I’ve never had a red carpet in my life. This is a blessing. They’re doing big things.
“It’s good that we’re doing joint ventures together now. I’ve been in Saudi. It’s good to be home. It’s not small. They’ve made it massive.
“I’m also fighting a Queensberry Promotions fighter, so it’s a new age for boxing – a golden era if you ask me.
“I hope that the next generation coming through can benefit from all of this as well. It’s not just about our generation.”
Joshua vs. Dubois will occur at Wembley, England’s National Stadium, this Saturday night and will be broadcast worldwide on Pay Per View.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
