Anthony Joshua is fully confident of becoming just the second man to defeat Tyson Fury when the pair square off in Cardiff on December 11.
The two former heavyweight champions co-star in an all-British battle that has been debated for the best part of a decade, and, despite both nearing the end of their careers, promise to deliver one of the biggest boxing events in modern history.
While Fury will step through the ropes a favourite to win, particularly after ‘AJ’s shakey first round against little-known Kristan Prenga back in July, Joshua believes he will deliver the 28th knockout of his career, which would mark Fury’s first time being stopped.
If things do play out that way, and there is no call for a rematch, Joshua has told Pro Box TV that the champion he is targeting next is Murat Gassiev.
Gassiev, who like Fury and Joshua has been beaten by Oleksandr Usyk, won the WBA Regular heavyweight title against Kubrat Pulev in December last year.
The 32-year-old Russian has already become a part of this UK fight’s story even before Joshua’s comments, as it has been reported that the WBA will put its Super heavyweight belt on the line, meaning Gassiev will not be upgraded as previously thought.
There is yet to be official confirmation of the title being added, though Fury has said it is a done deal. Despite the controversy, it will give the winner a chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion, joining elite company in the history books like Muhammad Ali.
Gassiev’s team has been unsurprisingly critical of the WBA’s reported move, but a guarantee to face the winner may help – that is if the Brit who has his hand raised does not retire.
