Former mentor of the unified heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) from Ukraine Oleksandr Usyk James Ali Bashir gave
interview for the British blog.
In a conversation, the American specialist answered questions about a possible fight between WBC champion from Britain Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) and former unified British champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs). Bashir considers it a wise decision for Joshua to take on Fury and sees Anthony as a slight favorite who could even knock out his counterpart.
– Many people were shocked by the possible fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, which was tentatively agreed on December 3rd. What advice would you give Anthony? Will he take the fight now?
“I think the best thing he can do is leave the past in the past. He lost to Usyk for the second time, he needs to be active, he needs to go forward. Okay, he lost to Usyk, but don’t sit, but switch to the next fight. This is what the old school fighters did over and over and over again. Ron Lyle, Ernie Shavers, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton – they crossed paths with each other all the time, they fought each other all the time. Someone was losing, saying: “Okay, I lost, but now I will fight this fighter.” We need to continue. Why sit and groan?
Is this the right decision for his career? Maybe he needs an intermediate fight?
“I think it’s the right decision to fight him now. Anthony Joshua is at a level right now where he can fight anyone as long as it makes sense. If you suddenly lose, you lose to Fury, there is no shame here. But if you fight someone else and lose, it will hurt your career. I think fighting Fury is a wise decision.
Why does Fury want to fight Joshua instead of fighting Usyk next year?
Who knows Tyson Fury? He may have a thousand reasons. But I know one thing – he continues to keep himself in the top. If I can’t get Usyk, give me Joshua!
- Joshua does not want to fight Fury, there will be no fight – Arum
– And how do you see this fight going if it happens on December 3? Is Joshua enough time to get ready?
– Prepare for what? They know each other. They were in the ring with each other. With heavyweights, there is not much planning, they are heavyweights. They know each other very well and it won’t be that hard for them to prepare. I think they can do the fight right now.
Who do you think will win this fight?
“It’s a 50-50 fight. But if I’m backed against a wall, I’ll pick Anthony Joshua.
Why Joshua?
“Because Joshua is doing well. He fights better with tall fighters than with short ones. I think it will be easier for him to find Fury than anyone else.
What about Fury’s psychological play?
Joshua needs to defend himself against these attacks. I realized this a long time ago, when I was still an amateur. I experienced too many emotions when I had to box against different guys. I was failing with them and my coach was like, “I don’t care what they say, who cares? You gotta get in the ring and fight! So focus on that, not the talk!” If Anthony can block that in his head and go out and fight Fury, I think he has a great chance of winning this fight. And maybe even stop him. He has the power to do it. Fury isn’t that invulnerable. Just keep working until the referee steps in and stops the fight. I think Anthony has a great chance of winning this fight.
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