Former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua is certainly geared up to capture a title for a third time.
On Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, Joshua will step into the ring against tough contender Otto Wallin.
A victory would propel Joshua to a showdown with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in the third quarter of 2024. Of course, to solidify that contest Wilder will also have to win his own fight, taking place on the same card, against Joseph Parker.
Joshua has placed his entire focus on Wallin.
“Otto Wallin, that’s our focus. So I’m going to end it on that. That’s my main focus. Otto Wallin. He gave that man, Tyson Fury a good run for his money, he’s a great fighter, respect to him. I’m giving him the ultimate respect, even though he doesn’t deserve it but I’m giving it to him in my mind,” Joshua said to Sky Sports.
“Because I want to be the best version and be ready to put myself on the level I need, in order to be victorious.”
A win over Wallin, and then Wilder, would place Joshua back in the title shot picture.
“It’s everything,” Joshua said. “It is to become a three-time heavyweight champion. But it’s also to become a dominant fighter, a better fighter. What that means is the championship will follow that. I want to just become a more dominant and better fighter. If I go in the ring and I dominate and I’m better than my opponent, naturally the championship will be around my waist. Because I’m just better. I’m destined for that.
“Now when I question myself, I say I’m going to put in the extra effort and whatever it needs to be the best version of a fighter I can be for the next coming years and I can look back and say I’m happy with the effort and the time put in,” he reflected. Let’s make the most of this. Let’s focus and let’s put in the work we need to put in while we’re on this journey. Because I don’t want to look back and say I wish I would have done more, when I’ve got the opportunity to do more right now. It’s right in front of me.”
Joshua admits that he grew in confidence on what he could do in a potential clash with WBC world champion Tyson Fury – after recently watching Fury get dropped and struggle in a crossover boxing match with MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.
The two British rivals have been trading words for several years.
“Trust me, you know what I’m saying. You know what I’m saying,” Joshua beamed. “You know what’s going on, I’ve seen it. I know.”