Anthony Joshua faces Dillian Whyte in a rematch that has much more at stake than their British Heavyweight title fight back in 2015.
‘AJ’ won that by stoppage and went on to become unified world champion as well as one of the biggest superstars the sporting world had to offer.
Whyte built back from his first loss by mounting a prolonged world title campaign of his own, although fell at the final hurdle courtesy of a Tyson Fury uppercut.
Now with three losses each and a comeback win over Jermaine Franklin, the pair fight to show fans what’s left in the tank.
In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson – widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights to ever lace up – backed Joshua and said nothing more – “I pick Anthony.”
Tyson has previously offered ‘AJ’ advice publicly, telling the two-time world champion to not be discouraged in defeat.
“He has a lot of talent, and shouldn’t get discouraged. He only loses when he quits. When you quit, all the doors of opportunities close.”
“Don’t get discouraged when you lose. You just made 30 million dollars! Don’t internalise it.”
“The more you lay off, the worse you get. To be the best, you have to fight constantly and do it more and more.”
Those words of wisdom about activity were in danger of being ignored when it was rumoured Joshua would skip an August bout to go straight in against Deontay Wilder around December-time.
In the end, he stuck by his promise of a busy year, and will resume talks with Wilder’s team should he come through the Whyte rematch unscathed.