ANTHONY JOSHUA would be willing to box a mixed martial artist or accept a cage fight in the future.
The IBF and WBA heavyweight champion is awaiting confirmation of his next title defence against Kubrat Pulev at Las Vegasโ T-Mobile Arena on November 11 or, more likely, Cardiffโs Principality Stadium on October 28.
He will not attend Saturdayโs fight, also at the T-Mobile Arena, when Conor McGregor makes his professional boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather because he is beginning preparations for his Bulgarian mandatory challenger.
However, while the Mayweather-McGregor bout is dividing opinion, Joshua can see the appeal.
He told Press Association Sport: โI like fighting, Iโd do whatever. Iโd probably get beaten. The only thing that they canโt do is submissions, but they can kick, elbow, bite โ whatever they want. Just no submissions.
โI canโt beat a guy [via submission]. That takes a lot of time to learn the skills and submissions, which I donโt have the time for, but when it comes to pure aggression and fighting rules, I can definitely fight, so I donโt mind that.
โIt wouldnโt be a problem. If you look at most boxers whoโve crossed over to MMA, they get beaten on the ground. James Toney, Roy Jones, they were phenomenal boxers but they just couldnโt compete in the cage because of the โground and poundโ game.
โIโve been away with the family and need to get back to reality. Sitting on the beach getting my toes rubbed, thatโs not the life of an athlete.
โIโve got to get back to the gutter, keep organised, keep disciplined. Iโve done my holidays and need to get back to the military mindset I live.โ
The likelihood remains that McGregor will convincingly lose to the finest boxer of the modern era, potentially minimising the appeal of future crossover fights.
Joshua is among the many who give the Irishman little chance of victory, and the 27-year-old said: โItโs probably [going to be] a landslide. Look at the great fighters Mayweatherโs fought, and heโs made them look average. Some of the fighters Mayweatherโs fought would probably beat Conor McGregor as well. Conor canโt really compete.
โHeโs coming out of his field and going into Mayweatherโs domain. Even though heโs an excellent fighter in UFC, heโs not an excellent boxer. Him crossing over is going to be a real, big challenge.
โHe could give a good account of himself. I think Mayweather will win but as long as he gives a good account of himself, itโll work really well for him.
โI donโt think Mayweatherโs done it for the money, I donโt think he needs the money: heโs done well from boxing. Conor was calling him out and people were saying they wanted to see the fight. The fans dictate the fight: if they want to see it, they get it.
โYou canโt fight with a pay cheque, you can only fight with heart: thatโs the only thing that gets you through tough times.โ