By: Sean Crose
“I’m definitely ready to fight,” former WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua said during his August 12 rematch press conference against old nemesis Dillian Whyte. “There are a lot of names in the department. But at the same time look at what this war does. I’m a fighter but I also understand business. And this fight does good business. Sure, Joshua-Whyte 2 will do big business in England, the home country of every boxer. With that said, Whyte is a wise choice for Joshua to be his next opponent – provided Whyte doesn’t win by surprise.
“He was just another body,” Joshua said of Whyte. “They hate me so much. But I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about my lane and what I’m trying to accomplish. I don’t focus on other people’s opinions.” Without a doubt, Joshua and Whyte have an interesting history. Longtime rival Whyte beat Joshua in the amateurs while Joshua could avenge that loss in the pro. Joshua, of course, went to heavyweight glory.
However, those days are over. After losing the title, as well as two straight bouts to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua won a single bout – against Jermaine Franklyn in April – that didn’t sound too impressive in the process. Now, the towering Londoner is looking to get back on track – and an impressive performance against Whyte is sure to serve as a powerful career booster. With that in mind, Joshua showed confidence during the press conference.
“Boxing is about fundamentals,” he said. “There are two ways to skin and cat. You can knock someone down or outrun them. Everything I say today is irrelevant until that bell rings. I’m here to win.” As for the other big names in heavyweight, Joshua made it clear that he is focusing on Whyte.
Joshua said: “Forget Wilder and all of them. “They have been my head for many years. Even with Fury. You can see all the lies that have been going on. I’m 34 years old this year and I don’t waste time chasing people. I have to have a basic respect for every man who walks into the ring with me. I can fight now. I have an excellent coach – a serious coach. And we’ll see where it goes.”
However, if Whyte pulls out the irritation – and Whyte does indeed have a chance – Joshua will find his career in grave jeopardy. Joshua, however, does not appear to be delusional. “It was a big night for my career,” he said of the August 12 game against Whyte. “100% win. That’s my goal and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
