ANTHONY JOSHUA has been backed to get a late stoppage against Tyson Fury in their long-awaited undisputed heavyweight title fight.
The Brits were due to throw down in Saudi Arabia a week on Saturday before an American judge ordered The Gypsy King to have a trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.
Joshua’s chances of beating the WBC king have been written off by many, but former WBA featherweight champ Barry McGuigan reckons the Olympian will be victorious in the long-awaited Battle of Britain.
The Irishman told Pro Boxing Fans: “I think Joshua wins.
“Fury is tricky and awkward, but I think Joshua is more versatile.
“He can do both aggressive and boxing as he showed against Andy Ruiz, but he also showed a vulnerability. It’s only my opinion.
“I think that Tyson has a chance with anybody, because he’s so naturally gifted and he’s quick.
“But I just think Joshua’s extra power in the last nine minutes of the fight will take their toll.”
Before Joshua and Fury can think about sharing the ring, they must first get through their respective bouts with Oleksandr Usyk and Wilder.
Joshua, 32, will face the undefeated Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.
I think Joshua is more versatile
Barry McGuigan on Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury
Fury, meanwhile, will renew his rivalry with Wilder in Las Vegas on October 9.
McGuigan, 60, is confident Joshua will do his part preserve the blockbuster undisputed bout, although he expects Usyk to put up some stern resistance.
He said: “I think the problem with Usyk is he’s not ever going to naturally be able to gain weight and put on a stone and a half which is what he needs to do even to get up to a reasonable weight for a heavyweight.
“He will give Joshua problems early on with his trickery and his boxing skills.
“But eventually Joshua will get to him and either grind him down and stop him or beat him on a lopsided unanimous decision.”
Joshua is relsihing his showdown with his fellow Olympic gold medallist, saying: “The date is set and we are fully locked in.
“September 25, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I put it all on the line again and it’s time to defend my crown.
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“We are two Olympic gold medallists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges.
“The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electric, I’m honoured to be the first person to fight in such an awe-inspiring venue.
“The stage is set and I am ready to handle business.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
