Former two-weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders has backed Anthony Joshua’s strength and cleaner punching as key weapons that could trouble Tyson Fury in a potential all-British heavyweight showdown.
Saunders, a long-time ally of Fury, gave a balanced verdict on the proposed clash, insisting both heavyweights possess qualities that could swing the fight either way.
Speaking in an interview with The Stomping Ground, Saunders said Joshua’s physical strength and punch accuracy would be major assets, while Fury’s superior boxing skill and movement make him a difficult opponent to solve.
“They’ve both got their own attributes. AJ’s stronger, a cleaner puncher. Tyson’s a better boxer, more slick.
“Whoever can put together the best game plan will win, I think,” Saunders said.
The much-anticipated fight is yet to be confirmed, with no date or venue fixed.
Promoter Frank Warren had previously said all parties must first meet before any formal announcement can be made on the contest.
Before any blockbuster showdown can happen, both fighters are expected to come through separate bouts.
Joshua, 36, is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25. The bout will be his first since his sixth-round stoppage win over Jake Paul in December and also his first outing since losing two close friends in a car crash in Nigeria.
Fury, 37, returned from a 16-month lay-off in April and outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov in a performance widely viewed as below his usual standard. He is now targeting another fight in August before any meeting with Joshua.
Saunders also suggested Joshua could benefit from his close training relationship with Oleksandr Usyk, who has previously beaten Fury.
The former middleweight champion believes Usyk’s success against Fury may offer Joshua’s camp useful insight into how to approach the “Gypsy King” if the long-awaited bout is eventually agreed.
