While Anthony Joshua backs Oleksandr Usyk to emerge victorious next month, he admits a showdown with Tyson Fury is more preferable.
Usyk and Fury will collide in an undisputed showdown on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, with the WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA and WBC titles on the line.
Joshua lost a back-to-back decision to Usyk, but since those losses he has been able to secure three solid wins in a row.
He anticipates a competitive contest between Fury and Usyk, and still feels the man from Ukraine will emerge victorious.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Joshua told Sky Sports News on Monday when the date for his fight with Ngannou was confirmed.
“I think Usyk beats it. It doesn’t really bother me. I just want them both to be healthy and leave the ring. It’s a tough game. So that’s all I can ask for, that they leave the ring healthy.
“In terms of how it goes, it doesn’t affect my life, in a way. I’m not like one of those fans who starts crying because someone won or lost. It is what it is. Tomorrow comes. Good luck to both of you.”
The British star will now return on March 8, in a boxing match against MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.
There are obvious plans to match winners Fury-Usyk, Joshua-Ngannou in the second half of the year.
However, there is a two-way rematch clause involved with Fury-Usyk, so either of them can force a second contest.
For Joshua, the preference would be a long-awaited showdown with Fury.
“Probably the opportunity to fight Tyson Fury. I think it’s a better fight for the fans and for me,” Joshua said.
