ANTHONY JOSHUA revealed he was given a ‘long list of heavyweights’ that he is working his way through – but Tyson Fury was not on there.
After AJ came out of the London Olympics in 2012 with a gold medal, he turned pro the following year.
Anthony Joshua was given a ‘long list of heavyweights’ that he is working his way throughCredit: �Dave Thompson/Matchroom
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder are among names AJ has been linked withCredit: Reuters
His uncle named Derek Chisora and Wladimir Klitschko as opponents to target as well as Kubrat Pulev, who Joshua faces on Saturday night.
But Fury – who won the world title in 2015 – was not listed.
Joshua told Sky Sports: “I have a long list of heavyweights and I’m knocking them off.
“In 2013 my uncle gave me a list of heavyweights and [wrote next to their names]: ‘Chisora, Klitschko…’
“Pulev was on that list. It was a matter of when. He is still here. He’s been here for years.”
Joshua, 31, defeated Klitschko, 44, after a thrilling 11 rounds in 2017, and was due to face Pulev, 39, until the Bulgarian pulled out injured.
AJ’s old amateur boxing pal Chisora, 36, has offered his friend sparring in the past but their paths never crossed in the pro ranks.
Joshua knows victory against Pulev in his mandatory defence puts him a step closer to finally sealing a deal with long-time rival Fury.
But the unified champion can not afford to add any more names onto his list until he gets past his unwanted interim challenge.
He said: “The other fights that have been mentioned? I’m not interested. Just in Pulev.”
Despite years of drawn out back-and-forths with Deontay Wilder, 35, and Fury, 32, Pulev has always been a looming threat for AJ.
He prepared to fight the ex-European champion three years ago before Carlos Takam, 40, filled in as a late replacement.
And Joshua also helped Klitschko prepare to face Pulev with some famous 2014 sparring sessions in Austria.
Joshua faces Kubrat Pulev in a mandatory defence Credit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom
As a result, AJ is equipped with extensive knowledge on his rival.
He explained: “I’ve known of Pulev for many years.
“I was in the training camp when his brother [Tervel] was sparring Warren Baister.
“I was in Wladimir Klitschko’s camp when he was preparing for Pulev.
“So I understand some of the tactics to beat Pulev.”
Anthony Joshua and Kubat Pulev workout for the press ahead of their big fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
