Confident Anthony Joshua has hinted that he could get away with the heavyweight world titles if he succeeds next month.
The The two-time global ruler confronts Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch for the WBA Super, IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight belts on August 20.
Joshua was comfortably beaten by the Ukrainians last September, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, and it looks like the all-English confrontation with Tyson Fury is a world away.
The challenging 32-year-old has warned he could “break” the belt if he beats the undisputed former cruiser weightlifter as they meet for the second time at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia .
While talking to JD SportsJoshua says:
“I don’t feel like I’m being looked at as a heavyweight in the league. This big Anthony Joshua go and win, become thrice, I will pass these belts. “
“You have to learn to respect me as a human being. Quote that. I’m tired, I don’t want to be respected for the belts I’m holding. I want to be respected for the man you see.”
Joshua rode on top of the wave after winning gold at London 2012 and made his debut in the salaried category in October 2013. He’s claimed the UK, the Commonwealth and a host of streaks. international jewels on the road to superstardom and unified champion, beating the likes of Wladimir Klitschko.
The road to next month’s rematch against Usyk is no longer easy for the Watford man. He suffered a shock defeat to his late substitute Andy Ruiz Jr – originally set to face Jarrell Miller – on his US debut in June 2019, stopped by the Mexican has based in California for seven rounds at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Joshua regained his title and became a two-time champion in his second meeting with Ruiz Jr at Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, six months later, beating him by more than 12 rounds.
“Maybe because I’m British none of these people respect my stuff, I said, ‘Okay, you know what? I’m going to bring heavyweight to the UK, I’m going to show everyone we’re solid. ‘
“I think people think we drink tea, eat cookies and sit with the Queen.”
