ANTHONY JOSHUA says it will be a โdream come trueโ to get back to the top of the heavyweight division.
The 33-year-old heavyweight is in Dallas preparing for his rematch with old rival Dillian Whyte. A win for Joshua on August 26 at the O2 Arena, London, could see him just months away from a fight against divisional wrecking ball Deontay Wilder. Negotiations have been ongoing with both teams looking to secure a date later this year or early next in the Middle East.
Joshua got back to winning ways in April against Jermaine Franklin after two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. โAJโ , however, was critical of his performance which you can hear more about in a recent episode of the Boxing News podcast.
Now under the tutelage of Derrick James, who also trains Errol Spence Jr, Ryan Garcia and Frank Martin, Joshua is looking to build on his success of the past by becoming a better fighter all-round.
Joshuaโs YouTube channel produced a six-minute insight into camp life and his new coach spoke highly of the heavyweightโs desire to get better.
โEveryone says they want to be a world champ, but people are not willing to do what it takes to become a world champ,โ James said.
โEven in this gym youโre put through the test because itโs one thing saying youโre gonna hang out with champs and hang out with other fighters. Itโs another thing to be able to endure the work out and do the work so itโs a big thing.
โHeโll push himself. Heโs asking me what can I do more, how can I be better, how can I improve my fitness more and thatโs the sign of a great individual and a great champion. Someone who wants to do better and heโs working, heโs doing it in 100-degree heat.โ
Joshua is regarded as the third or fourth best heavyweight in the world depending on who you talk to. At one time the Londoner was regarded as the top dog defeating all who stood before him prior to slipping up against Andy Ruiz and then finding Usyk too good. Joshua is eager to get back to where he once was.
โWish I was still champion because I breathe life into this division. I bring excitement for sure. When Iโm on top I take on all challenges and once Iโm there itโs gonna be a dream come true.โ