Anthony Joshua says he has “been through a lot of pain” over the past two years as he bids to become a three-time world champion against fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
The 34-year-old will take on IBF belt-holder Dubois, 27, in front of a post-war British record 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua has rebuilt and worked his way back to mandatory challenger position having broken down in tears after losing a second consecutive fight to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022.
I’ve worked hard and been through a lot of pain, and I’ve worked hard to get better,” he told BBC Sport.
Hopefully those experiences won’t happen again because as you saw that night, I don’t like losing.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist is on a four-fight winning streak and brutally knocked out Francis Ngannou in his last outing.
I think I’m gifted with an ability to fight and compete,” Joshua said. “In boxing you’re able to read certain tendencies, you’re able to read your opponent, so I can always have an eye for that.
But there’s a supreme level that you can take it to. And it’s happened over the past eight or 10 months. I’ve really honed in on those skills.
Joshua and Dubois posed for a face-to-face at Monday’s media day in London’s stylish Old Billingsgate venue, with Tower Bridge providing an iconic backdrop, to kick off fight week.
The more experienced Joshua – who will headline a UK stadium fight for the sixth time – relaxed into his press commitments throughout the day.
After a menacing stare-down, Joshua headed towards a crowd and posed for photos, even agreeing to a request for a hug from a fan.
Meanwhile, a pensive Dubois appeared a little eager to get the media formalities out of the way.
Joshua has the opportunity to join heavyweight legends Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko in becoming a three-time world champion.
The long-awaited fight with Tyson Fury might also be on the horizon, but Joshua is refusing to overlook the hard-hitting Dubois.
He is a good fighter, a brilliant fighter,” Joshua said. “Everyone speaks highly of him. I think they underestimate me as well, so I will go out there and prove how good I am.”
