It’s true that, as in any other skill, boxing, too, needs constant supervision and calls for the boxer to keep himself sharp and up-to-date. Regular training methods and body conditioning gear him up. However, no other technique suffices for the sparring sessions or, better yet, the fights. As it goes, bouts increase the chances of a boxer taking his skills to the next level. That could probably be why Anthony Joshua looks forward to the Saturday fight. The former champion is keen to scale back to his glory days. To this end, he understands that he needs to participate in more bouts. They are the stepping stones for the big paydays he foresees soon.

The last two years have been tumultuous for the talented Anthony Joshua. It appeared that he had recovered from Andy Ruiz Jr.‘s upset win. But back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk shook his confidence and stirred up emotions back home. For British boxing’s biggest draw, it seemed prudent not to rush him into big fights, which might prove a double-edged sword. Hence, a gradual return to the ring became the game’s name.

With both feet on the ground, Anthony Joshua goes for a gradual progression

Espousing the intention, Anthony Joshua spoke at length with Boxing Scene. He said, “I looked at the momentum I need, even if I am going to fight in December. I need to build momentum. I kind of canceled the end-of-the-year fight [for now]. Looking back at previous negotiations with leading heavyweights in the division, it’s always been complicated, back and forths, and never materialized.”

He explained that he’s participating in two fights this year, a pattern he last followed in 2019. The single-bout format doesn’t augur well for a fighter. Admitting to a below-par performance against Jermaine Franklin, he highlighted that though he failed to score a knockout victory, the fight made him up and running. “Fighting once a year, you become soft. You’re not as tough as you once were, so I am getting that battle skin again. That will be good for me.” Joshua said.

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A face-lift for the eventual return

He stated that an impressive victory would give him a massive boost of self-assurance. ‘AJ’ added that it also allows him to spend more time with trainer Derrick James. It helps him hone his skills. Probably alluding to the Saturday fight, he insisted on trying something new. As much as he has to endure the phase, Joshua said that he needs August 12 to put on a thrilling show for the fans. He agreed that the situation warranted a knockout.

Anthony Joshua faces Robert Helenius, a last-minute replacement for Dillian Whyte, who failed to clear a doping test. Many fans might remember that the Finn received a solid drubbing at the hands of Deontay Wilder on October 15 last year. Hence, whether Anthony Joshua can deliver a similar outcome to confirm his return to the big stage remains to be seen.

WATCH:- When Dillian Whyte Almost Knocked Out Anthony Joshua During Their Fistfight in 2015

Do you think a better option, other than Helenius, could have been scouted for against Joshua? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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