Former heavyweight king Riddick Bowe has assessed whether Anthony Joshua is capable of causing the upset against Tyson Fury on December 11.
The two Brits will square off at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with the winner set to be crowned a three-time world champion by claiming the WBA ‘super’ title.
And while Fury has been made a pre-fight favourite, based on his recent performances and overall career, many feel Joshua has the power and tenacity to score a dramatic knockout.
He did so in his last outing against Kristian Prenga, as after suffering two first-round knockdowns, the 37-year-old managed to get his man out of there in the following session.
In doing so, Joshua proved, albeit against a little-known opponent, that he remains a formidable but vulnerable puncher.
Fury, meanwhile, seems to have shown signs of decline in other ways, as he appeared far less quick and elusive in his two points and stoppage victories – against Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach, respectively – earlier this year.
At the age of 38, it is only natural that he has lost a step or two, but how much of a factor will this play when he finally locks horns with ‘AJ’?
Well, according to Bowe, Joshua should actually be considered the favourite, as despite admitting to preferring Fury on a personal level, the Hall of Famer has told Boxing News magazine that he is backing the underdog.
“I don’t like to say it, because I like Fury, but I’m taking Joshua.”
Prior to stopping Prenga, Joshua scored a sixth-round finish over Jake Paul after suffering a devastating fifth-round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois.
