World heavyweight IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO champion Anthony Joshua (23-1-0, 21 KOs) said he must have changed everything around him after he suffered his first career failure; a defeat by the referee, in the seventh round, to Andy Ruiz, in June 2019.
The Briton was left after visiting the mat four times in the bout held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He then got his revenge six months later, as he outboxed the Mexican-American Ruiz (33-2-0, 22 KOs) for twelve rounds, taking back his four world titles:
“I changed everything after my first loss. Losing to Andy made me question myself and also restructure myself. I was able to take something positive out of this loss, but it wasn’t easy.” Joshua said.
“I went through hell during my six week training camp. I surrounded myself with new members in my team. I suffered injuries that I had to deal with.
“I had to face so many problems. But we finally got where we are now with willpower, determination and intelligence.” Joshua added.
Joshua plans to make a mandatory title defense against Kubrat Pulev (28-1-0, 14 KOs), possibly on December 12. But the real goal for Joshua is to face WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury in 2021.
Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs), who is set to fight Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) in a trilogy on December 19, is also building up to fight this massive unification fight.
Joshua has great respect for Fury’s boxing skills and science, but he doesn’t see anything intimidating about his compatriot:
“Being world champion, with all those knockouts, you kind of feel unstoppable. But, in reality, in boxing, I’m way ahead when you make the comparisons. I am working at such a fast pace.” Joshua said.
“I shouldn’t even be in a position where I’m mentioned in the Tyson Fury era. Fury turned professional five or six years before me. In fact, when he turned pro, I had just put on my gloves for the first time, “Joshua explained.
“I don’t find him intimidating, and I haven’t seen him do anything in the ring that makes me think, this guy is going to be a huge threat. But Fury is talented and his style is awkward, and often with that you can come a long way in life.” Joshua added.
