ANTHONY JOSHUA cannot repeat the Tyson Fury disaster of overlooking an unfancied opponent and blowing his Deontay Wilder showdown.
In October the 35-year-old WBC Gypsy King was supposed to fly into Saudi Arabia, beat boxing debutant Francis Ngannou and sign off on the December 23 undisputed decider with Oleksandr Usyk
But the giant showman put on a nightmare performance, getting dropped in round three before nicking a decision off the judges.
That cancelled the Christmas cracker – now pushed back to February 17 – and let AJ vs Otto Wallin snatch up the slot.
After weighing in at 17st 13lbs, London 2012 hero Joshua said: “If my prayers are answered I will get the win.
“But I’m making it’s not just prayers, I am following it up with actions as well.”
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When asked about the fear of repeating the Fury fiasco, the 34-year-old added: “Let me not make that same mistake.
“Listen, I am a serious fighter, I am a serious businessman as well. I’ve got a great team behind me, they’re handling business.
“But as I always say, let me focus on what I have to focus on because without Saturday night there is no future.
“Saturday night – as I’ve been saying all week – that’s been my main focus. Whatever happens in the ring, I know that’s where my heart is.
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“I need to get this win”
Southpaw Wallin, 32, weighed in a stone lighter and claimed his time is now.
Four years after leaving Fury with 47 stitches in his bloody loss, he said: “I just know tomorrow there will be a new king and he comes from Sweden.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
