Anthony Joshua: Title defence 'is just a fight'

The 31-year-old Briton will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO title against the Ukrainian former undisputed cruiserweight champion on September 25 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

The pair have exchanged little needle over the weeks before the fight and exchanged smiles and a handshake at Friday’s weigh-in.

After the formalities were over, Joshua explained that he felt little animosity and was looking forward to a positive atmosphere in what is likely Britain’s biggest post-Covid fight.

“For me, I don't know what to expect in terms of boos and cheers. It's nice that people came out, even Usyk got cheers,” he said.

“As long as boxing's winning, we're all winning.

“Respect, fear, it's just a fight. We do our best. We train... I'm not going to be disrespectful, he's achieved phenomenal things. Good luck to him and I hope it's going to be a good fight. 

“We're going to deliver. Respect to him for training, respect to my team for getting me here.

“Good night Saturday, Sunday we go back to what we normally do.”

Joshua weighed in at 240lbs, more than a stone heavier than Oleksandr Usyk’s 15 and 3/4 stone. The champion was unconcerned by the difference.

“I don't really watch my weight. I don't know why there is a big thing about heavyweights. I was 18 something at some stage, but I still managed to throw combos and went 12 rounds,” he said.

“As long as you're loose and nimble, I should be good. If I was heavier doing it, I should be able to do it.

“Of course I'm not going to give you a game plan. There isn't a game plan. It's a win. I just pray, give it my best, and that's it, honestly. Visualise, pray, meditate and give it my best.”