Exclusive Joshua on the fight world is waiting for
Pages 10-11
Anthony Joshua has defended next week’s Floyd MayweatherConor McGregor bout in Las Vegas, saying its critics were out of touch. The event, pitching unbeaten Mayweather, going into his 50th fight, against UFC star McGregor, is set to draw around five million pay-per-view buys, which would set a new financial record for the sport.
“It’s now a mega-event – they have done a great job of promoting a huge event in the combat sports world,” said Joshua. “It has become a global event. It’s rubbish [to criticise it]. Why weren’t they complaining all those years ago when James Toney stepped in the UFC Octagon with Randy Couture. The fans are deciding and that’s why this fight is happening.”
Joshua, though, thinks Mayweather will have too much for McGregor. “Everyone has a chance in a fight, but Mayweather is the very elite of boxing. He is 49-0 for a reason.”
Joshua met up with Mayweather recently when the boxer, who also now works as a promoter, came to the UK. Mayweather’s boxing skills, marketing nous and longevity are not lost on Joshua. “This fight has come around really quickly and Floyd’s been in the game a long time,” said Joshua. “Longevity has served him well, a long-term plan is always important and you can’t fault what he has done. He grew up rough in Michigan and he has done well to get out of there.”
Mayweather, who has become the richest boxer in history with world titles in five weight classes in a 20-year career, could earn in the region of $240 million (£187 million) for this fight with a novice boxer, and could retire in 10 days’ time with career earnings close to one billion US dollars. Mayweather’s entire career has generated approximately 19.5million pay-per-view buys for his fights, which have grossed $41.3 billion in revenue. The American, who has forged his own path through the sport, promoting himself for the last decade, had advice for Joshua, the British heavyweight revealed. “He was saying that the UK is where boxing is popular now, and not to rush to come to the United States – that the pound is always stronger than the dollar.
“I’m massively grateful for where I am, though,” added Joshua. “No one gives you anything when you come into boxing. It’s something you enjoy, but it’s all down to you, your hard work, what you put in, and that’s why you have to look at what Mayweather has done and his success. Look what they have done with this big fight next week. It has become one of the biggest fights ever.”
Joshua also revealed yesterday that his “heart sank” when Wladimir Klitschko retired on Aug 3 after a rematch between the pair was being discussed to take place in Las Vegas in November. “My heart sank. I like to fight, you know that,” he said.
The World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion had been on the verge of making his US debut against Klitschko, with the T-Mobile Arena, which is becoming a mecca for huge fight nights and the scene of Mayweather-McGregor next weekend, slated as the venue.
“I think it would have been amazing if the fight could have happened in Vegas,” said Joshua. “It would have been a big fight there.
“It’s what we need, big-time heavyweight boxing back there. I think they [the American television network Showtime] are calling for it, and I don’t see what the delay is. I think boxing needs the heavyweights back in Vegas, back to the days of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and those guys. I think it is just round the corner.
“With Klitschko, I thought he was 50-50 about fighting me again, he was saying how obsessed he was with becoming heavyweight champion of the world again, but I did have the feeling he might not fight again. He felt it was time to hang up his gloves, and I respect the man’s decision.” It means Joshua’s next fight will be against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev, with the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Oct 28 the possible date and venue, though Las Vegas on Nov 11 has not been ruled out. Joshua believes boxers know when it is time to hang up the gloves and marvels that both Mayweather and Klitschko have boxed to the age of 40. “This is a sport when you get damaged mentally and physically,” he said. “Klitschko put his body through so many years of impact, and he can now retire with several interests and focus his energy on other things. I’d appreciate sitting down with him as gentlemen, and I’d value the experience he’s learnt from over the years.” But Joshua’s fighting focus is now Pulev. “He’s a tough competitor, he’s game. He will want to win like the rest of them. My team are figuring out what’s best for me and we’ll move forward. I love fighting for the belts, but if I have to get stripped of them, no problem at all. I just want to be involved in the biggest fight nights.”
That could include a showdown against World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, in Las Vegas. It would bring together two unbeaten fighters.
“I’d like to get the British fans travelling to the fights,” said Joshua, “but I also want to take my fights around the world and would like to bring African, Asian, Arab, Christian, Muslim and Jewish people all together to come and support my fights. That’s why they call it a world title.”
Joshua, though, was at pains to point out his legacy must always be personal as well as sporting. “There is a difference between a role model and a real model. A role model plays a role, a real model keeps it real. I’m a man of the people, and I’m having fun with it.” StubHub’s The London Manathon campaign together with Eddie Hall, World’s Strongest Man. Tickets to see Eddie Hall at the Giants Live: Official World’s Strongest Man Tour Finals are available on
‘My heart sank when Klitschko retired. It would have been amazing if it had happened in Vegas’