Unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says he was ‘honoured’ by the ringside appearance of ring legend Floyd Mayweather during his dominant title defence against Kubrat Pulev back in December.
Joshua, who is now in negotiations for an undisputed title super-fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury, knocked out IBF mandatory foe Pulev in nine rounds at Wembley’s SSE Arena. Impressed at ringside, Mayweather described Joshua as ‘one hell of a fighter.’
“It was the first time we were allowed fans back into the stadium [the Pulev fight]. It was an honour to have Mayweather in the house. I respect him highly for what he’s achieved,” Joshua revealed on his YouTube channel.
“He came to see me perform, and I pulled out one of his favourite moves – the pull counter. That’s his signature. Having him in the house was an honour, and I thought I had to give him something to remember.”
“No matter how much you think you can best me, I’m there to win. That’s the fighters’ mentality. 99% of the population are civilised people. The job I’ve chosen is uncivilised. We’re not civilised people – we are warriors.”
Main image: Matchroom Boxing