Johnny Nelson expects five rounds of “absolute drama” to unfold when Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua finally lock horns on December 11.
The two British heavyweights will collide at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, where they are due to be presented with a shot at the WBA ‘super’ title.
Whoever has his hand raised is therefore set to become a three-time world champion, while also boasting a satisfying triumph over his long-time rival.
As for the fight itself, many are favouring Fury on account of his last two performances – against Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach – which both resulted in convincing victories for ‘The Gypsy King’.
Neither could exactly be described as ‘electric’ but, nevertheless, the 38-year-old encountered minimal danger and dealt with each opponent in dominant fashion.
Joshua, on the other hand, suffered two knockdowns before stopping Kristian Prenga in the second round of their July encounter, with many questioning whether he has the chin to defeat Fury.
In his Sky Sports column, meanwhile, former world champion Nelson – who previously always backed Joshua – has now suggested that Fury could win inside the distance.
“I do expect Fury to come out and have a tear-up. The last person he said that about was Deontay Wilder, and he did. I know Tyson thinks Anthony Joshua isn’t good going backwards.
“I don’t think Joshua wants this fight to go the distance where it depends on Fury’s boxing skills, because boxing Fury is like trying to hit [someone] with a bag of rice, so I’d be very surprised if the fight went past five rounds.
“But for five rounds, it will be drama. There’ll be rocks, people will be hitting the canvas; it’s going to be absolute drama.”
As for a prediction, Nelson went on to admit that he is leaning more towards ‘The Gypsy King’ who, despite lacking a degree of sharpness these days, has proven to possess a more robust chin than ‘AJ’.
