While Anthony Joshua is backing Oleksandr Usyk to come away victorious next month, he admits that 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, WBC titles at stake.
Joshua dropped back-to-back decision losses to Usyk – but since those defeats he’s been able to secure three solid victories in a row.
He anticipates a competitive contest between Fury and Usyk, and still feels the man from Ukraine will come away victorious.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Joshua told Sky Sports News on Monday as the date was confirmed for his bout with Ngannou.
“I think Usyk edges it. I’m not really bothered. 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 that’s starts crying because someone won or lost. It is what it is. Tomorrow comes around. Good luck to both of them.”
The British star will now return on March 8, in a boxing match against MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.
There are obvious plans to match the Fury-Usyk, Joshua-Ngannou winners in the second half of the year.
However, there is a two-way rematch clause involved with Fury-Usyk – so either man can force a second contest.
For Joshua, a long-awaited showdown with Fury would be the preference.
“Probably the opportunity to fight Tyson Fury. I think that’s a better fight for the fans and myself,” Joshua said.