Anthony Joshua adopts Wladimir Klitschko methods for defence of his heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev
Anthony Joshua’s reward for a victory over Kubrat Pulev in a defence of his heavyweight world titles at Wembley Arena on Saturday would be a 50-50 split of a £200 million purse to fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed crown in boxing’s blue riband division – if the contest goes ahead in the Middle East next year.
“It’s the Battle of Britain, the battle of the world, and I’m convinced it’ll happen if Joshua wins on Saturday,” promoter Eddie Hearn told Telegraph Sport on Thursday. “The fight with Fury is the only fight we are interested in. Our advice to Fury is not to fight at the start of next year. If he takes another fight then we’ll fight Oleksandr Usyk and we’ll be waiting for ever. No one is interested in Tyson Fury against a nobody. I’m not saying everyone is interested in Joshua-Usyk, but it will be a let-down if we don’t get this fight next.
“A J is desperate for the fight, I believe Fury is desperate for the fight and the teams are desperate. There’s no reason why not. We should be in a position after this fight to say, ‘We’re all in agreement, here’s the date, here’s the contract’. But he’s got to win on Saturday.”
Joshua and Fury have already agreed in principle to a two-fight deal in 2021. “I think the fight should be in the UK, whether it’s the first or second one,” Hearn said. “Some countries might not be ready to make a commitment this summer. That would actually help the UK. May or June in the UK, America or Middle East.
“They will earn £100 million each if it is in the Middle East. Certainly £60 million or £70 million each in the UK, and it would smash all UK pay-per-view records. This is one of the biggest fights in history. I’ll never be involved in a bigger fight. I think A J knocks Fury out, and I’d say that to Fury himself. A J is getting better and better, and you’ll see on Saturday what he’s becoming.”
Joshua himself revealed on Thursday that, six years ago, he had helped Wladimir Klitschko prepare as a sparring partner for the Ukrainian’s world title defence against Pulev, and said that the experience was invaluable. Klitschko stopped the Bulgarian in the fifth round in Hamburg, dropping his rival four times, and Joshua has adopted Klitschko’s methods from that camp.
“It’s crazy how the universe works,” Joshua said. “I was in a camp with the guy, then I fought Klitschko. Now I’m fighting Pulev. At the time I didn’t really understand the whole implications of the way Wladimir was training [for Pulev], but I have actually implemented some of the stuff he did in my training for this camp.
“Every fight is different. Kubrat fought Klitschko, that was different. I fought Klitschko, that was completely different, and now I’m going to fight Pulev, and that’s going to be different again. Preparation is key, experience is important. I have learnt from the best and it will pay off.”
Joshua disclosed that he had adopted specific tips from Klitschko. “Definitely,” he said. “He was like a heavyweight factory. Klitschko invited every heavyweight to his training camp. What I’ve learnt from Klitschko is the value of getting all the best talent into one space to challenge me as champion; four rounds with one, four rounds with another one. I’ve been out for a year and they’ve got me tough, they’ve got me ready.”
Joshua, unusually, has even been sparring this week inside the testing bubble at the fight hotel opposite Wembley Arena. “The body can get soft easy. You’ve got to stay switched on, having shots coming at you, gauging distance, feeling different shots. I want someone in the ring imitating Pulev, so that’s good. I want to be pushed and tested. I even want to spar tonight,” Joshua said, adding that it had nothing to do with being cooped up in the secured environment, having taken over one floor of the hotel.
“We did eight rounds, six with the head guard and two without, on Wednesday night. Rob McCracken, my trainer, didn’t like it, but I know what works for me. It’s just keeping your eye in. I could hit the pads, but they don’t hit back.
“The heavy bag doesn’t move, having a live opponent in front of you, moving your legs, it becomes second nature. The ring here inside the hotel is tiny, so I’m going to get into the ring on Saturday and I will have loads of space to do my job. I can’t wait to get in there.”