Anthony Joshua is focused on only himself and not the “versatile” Tyson Fury ahead of their historic showdown.
Between them the two British fighters hold the heavyweight division’s biggest belts, and have now signed a two-fight contract to settle who is the undisputed champion.
No date or venue has been set yet for the first bout, with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting he’d like it to go ahead in the UK if possible, while the Middle East has also been touted as a possible destination.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Joshua’s training Joby Clayton said his fighter’s mind was not focused on Fury.
“It’s never too early to talk about basic gameplans. We are laying the foundations in preparation for camp,” said Clayton, who works alongside Joshua’s head trainer Rob McCracken. “My job is to prepare AJ to his best ability. I know that when AJ is AJ, he’s a handful for anybody.
“The most important thing is that he focuses on himself. Fury is a very versatile athlete so I am personally focusing on AJ, and what he brings to the table to combat a whole host of techniques and tactics that he might face.
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• Joshua and Fury sign two-fight deal
“AJ is doing some wonderful work, training with a wonderful energy. This is a special time in his career. I’m excited to see what the next few months hold. I have a saying; coaches have to get boxers to train, but they have to get champions to rest. We have to make sure AJ rests at the appropriate times because he is so dedicated.”
With terms of the deal set on Saturday, Hearn’s company, Matchroom, and Fury’s promoter, Top Rank, have 30 days to find a site and a date for the first fight in June or July.
“The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper,” Hearn told ESPN. “But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.”
Joshua and Fury will reportedly split proceeds 50-50 from their first fight, with the victor taking a 60-40 cut for the rematch. Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO belts, and Fury’s WBC title, will be on the line.
Hearn said he’s already had multiple offers to stage the all-British showdown in the Middle East, America, Asia, and Europe.
Additional reporting by AP
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