Anthony Joshua says he would even fight King Kong ahead of Usyk bout

Anthony Joshua says he is not intimidated by Usyk or any potential opponent

By AFP
September 24, 2021
Anthony Joshua says he would even fight King Kong ahead of Usyk bout

London: Anthony Joshua said he would be happy to take on any opponent -- even King Kong -- stressing he had no intention of vacating one of his heavyweight belts in order to avoid Oleksandr Usyk.

The British boxer will put his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight belts on the line against the WBO mandatory challenger from the Ukraine in London on Saturday.

The unbeaten Usyk is a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion and could pose a tricky test for Joshua, with his skillset rated among the best in any weight category.

But Joshua maintains he is not intimidated by Usyk or any potential opponent.

"I don´t really fight good fighters because I want people to respect me or anything like that," he said at the pre-fight press conference on Thursday.

"It´s not complicated. If you told me I was fighting King Kong I would give it a go, honestly.

"It´s an opportunity for me to work. This is my job. I´m just going to work. He´s going to work. It´s a blessing.

"These are the best days of my life. I´m not an easy fight for anyone."

If the 31-year-old survives his title defence against Usyk, he hopes to finally face British rival and WBC champion Tyson Fury to crown an undisputed champion.

Joshua, who intends to be back in training early next week, said: "For a fighter like myself this is just another day in camp."

"This fight gives me the motivation to practise," he added. "I´ve had fun in camp. It´s been demanding and challenging but we make it fun."

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