IBF, WBO, IBO, WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, despite the harsh words they traded in recent weeks, is still backing Tyson Fury ahead of his upcoming rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Fury will challenge Wilder on February 22nd at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The first time they fought, in December 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the contest ended in a controversial twelve round split draw.
Fury went down twice in the fight and barely made it up from the second knockdown in the twelfth and final round.
This time around, Fury is in much better physical shape than he was the first time around. He also has a new corner, with a decision earlier this month to part ways with Ben Davison. He would hire American trainer SugarHill Steward, who is the nephew of Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.
For the sake of the UK, Joshua hopes Fury can pull out the victory.
“I think Fury is going to win [the rematch]. I just think that the man that came so close the first time won’t let it go the second time. People say that Fury won the first fight. Who knows? I hope he’s in better condition this time around,” Joshua told IFL TV.
“Providing he’s been consistent and he’s got rid of the rust and the cobwebs, he should be victorious. He came so close to doing it the first time, he’s a man who can do it again for sure.
“I hope Tyson wins because I think it will be easier to make that fight,’ he added. ‘He’s with Frank Warren and I think it will be easier to make a deal with Fury.”
Fury vs Wilder rematch: Anthony Joshua predicts winner
Anthony Joshua has said he expects British heavyweight rival, Tyson Fury, to beat Deontay Wilder in their much-anticipated rematch in Las Vegas.
Fury and Wilder will step back into the ring on February 22.
Both men will be hoping to clinch victory, following their controversial draw in 2018.
“I just think that the man that came so close the first time won’t let it go the second time.
“People say that Fury won the first fight. Who knows? I hope he’s in better condition this time around.
“Providing he’s been consistent and he’s got rid of the rust and the cobwebs, he should be victorious. He came so close to doing it the first time, he’s a man who can do it again for sure,” Joshua said according to SportingLife.
Joshua has been tipped to take part in a undisputed world title fight against the winner of the Wilder-Fury rematch. And believes a clash against his British rival would be easier to make.
“I hope Tyson wins because I think it will be easier to make that fight,” he added.
“He’s with Frank Warren and I think it will be easier to make a deal with Fury.”
