The unified IBO, IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion has discussed his plans to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since the great Lennox Lewis.
Joshua has adopted a ‘stay humble’ approach, being very reserved and professional with what he says publically.
But he has now been getting more and more agitated by the comments coming from his heavyweight rivals Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
Joshua says it is becoming harder and harder to ignore these comments.
“Sometimes you use it as fuel but, at the same time, when you’re hearing it constantly you have to let it slide off your back. It’s hard, though.”
“It’s a balance because, even though I try to keep it professional and I don’t want to bite back, I’ve got that fight instinct.”
“Sometimes you need to give as good as you get.”
“I’d rather do it face-to-face. That’s what I’m waiting for. That’s what I’ve always said.
“Even though Fury went through what he went through, I hoped for his return so he can fight soon.”
“Wilder – we’re looking at negotiations to see whether we can get that going.”
“There’s a lot of talk across the pond but it will be good when we come face-to-face;” Joshua said, of his wish to come face-to-face for the first time with his heavyweight titleholding rival.
Fury is also a fight that Joshua has very much locked his eyes on for some time now too. After defeating Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017 it wasn’t Wilder’s name that Joshua was calling out it was Fury’s.
“Until he makes his return to the ring, I cannot sit down and wait patiently at home for Tyson Fury’s return,” Joshua said last week.
“I have a career and goals I want to achieve so I am focusing on what I am doing.”
“He has to get himself back in action and worry about what he is doing, rather than sitting at home commentating on my fights.”
“He should be getting a bit of motivation and hunger back in the belly to get training and get back in the ring.”
“Realistically, people don’t want to see a commentator. They want to see a fighter fight,” Joshua concluded.
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