Anthony Joshua insists his shock defeat by Andy Ruiz has forged the mindset that will enable him to become a three-time world heavyweight champion at Wembley on Saturday.
Joshua challenges for Daniel Dubois’ IBF belt knowing victory would complete a period of rebuilding after losses to Ruiz in 2019 and then twice to Oleksandr Usyk left his career on the brink.
Now riding a five-fight winning streak, the 34-year-old from Watford views the seismic upset in New York as a seminal moment.
“I became mentally strong when everyone went against me after Ruiz,” said Joshua, who was floored four times before being stopped in the seventh round by the fleshy Mexican-American.
“You build up a firm back, a firm chest, strong legs and you walk through it. You walk through walls and you keep proving people wrong.”
Joshua is expected to join greats Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield by winning a world title for the third time in front of a 96,000 crowd, who will watch Oasis’ Liam Gallagher perform live before the main event.
Dubois has the punching power to deny Joshua his dream of facing the winner of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury in December, but has proved too easy to hit with the right hand – Joshua’s most devastating shot.
Factor in Joshua’s greater experience – which includes seven appearances at major stadiums – as well as his development under new trainer Ben Davison, and he is regarded as a clear favourite.
“It’s a blessing to be back. What can I say? I don’t even know how it’s come about or why, but I’m the man of the moment and I’m living in it, making the most of it,” he said.
“It’s a blessing but I’m also here to do a job. I’ve got to go out there and win. I’m ready to rumble and remind everyone what I’m capable of.
“Every fight is a legacy fight for me and this is just another day at the office. I’m going to give it my best. My only message for Daniel is good luck. It’s all positive from my end.”
Dubois is on the rise after following up on last year’s defeat to Usyk with determined victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
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Now his challenge is to prove in the ring that he is a genuine world champion after being given his belt by the IBF when Usyk decided to vacate in June.
“I need to retain this world title. It’s a great thing to have but I need to legitimise myself by winning this fight,” he said.
“It’s my job to do him in and finish him off. Enough of the talking, let’s get down to business. Let’s go to war. He’s going to bring it and I’m going to bring it.”
