“Mental is the most important thing for me.” Anthony Joshua is focused on beating Daniel Dubois this weekend
By: Sean Crose
“It’s just another day for me,” said former heavyweight Anthony Joshua on the eve of his IBF world title fight with Daniel Dubois. “We’re going to do some media stuff. The spirit is really good. I’ve been preparing for it, so it doesn’t take up much of my schedule. It fits in. It’s just another day, another lion in the jungle. Another lion ready to hunt. It’s just another day for me.”
Joshua has certainly had his ups and downs throughout his career – although the downs have clearly outweighed the highs – but the towering Briton has never been anything less than a consummate professional. This is no exception. “Preparation is everything,” Joshua said. “If you prepare, you’re comfortable because you’ve put yourself there physically, you’ve put yourself there mentally, and you really believe in yourself. I’m fine.”
This is a huge fight for Joshua. If he beats the dangerous Dubois, he will not only be a heavyweight champion – but a three-time heavyweight champion. That is no small feat. However, Joshua insists he is focused on the important things.
“I didn’t look that far ahead because that was just the icing on the cake. I told myself, exactly, performance is the most important thing for me. Mentality is the most important thing for me. Everything else will follow from that… three times, I did it once, I did it twice – nothing really changed and I had to work incredibly hard to improve my performance so that I could focus completely on my performances. That’s what will give me all the glitz, glamour and glory.”
Many will be hoping for glory when Joshua and Dubois answer the bell this weekend. Wembley Stadium, where the fight will take place, has long been sold out for the event. Millions more are likely to be watching the fight live on pay-per-view. Joshua has heaped praise on promoter Eddie Hearn for his success.
“It’s been great,” Joshua said of the partnership. “It’s been great for my development in and out of the ring. In the ring, it’s been great, even in the not-so-good times – but it’s a great story. The guy knows boxing too. Talking to him outside of the ring and the actual business, talking about boxing in general – that’s helped me grow. I met Eddie when I was, what, 20? 21? I’m 34 now, 35 next month, so it’s been a long journey and a rewarding journey for both of us.”
