Anthony Joshua reveals heartbreaking struggle ahead of long-awaited Tyson Fury showdown on December 11 | International Sports News
Anthony Joshua has admitted that the past nine months have been the toughest period of his life. The former heavyweight world champion opened up about his difficult year just weeks before finally facing long-time rival Tyson Fury in Cardiff on December 11.Joshua survived a tragic car crash in Nigeria last Christmas that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. He suffered minor injuries and returned to boxing in July. He stopped Kristian Prenga in the second round after being dropped in the opening round. Now, he is preparing for Fury.
Anthony Joshua opens up on his difficult year ahead of Tyson Fury showdown
Anthony Joshua shared an emotional message on Snapchat ahead of his highly anticipated meeting with Fury.“These last nine months have been the toughest times of my life. I’ll keep pressing on until I got no gas left to give and the angels of death come looking for me,” he wrote.The message comes at a difficult point in Joshua’s career and personal life. The British heavyweight was involved in the fatal crash in Nigeria last Christmas. Two of his best friends were killed in the incident.Despite the tragedy, Joshua returned to the ring several months later. His comeback fight came against Kristian Prenga in July. Joshua was knocked down in the first round but recovered to stop his opponent in the second.He now faces one of the biggest challenges of his career when he meets Tyson Fury on December 11. The fight will finally bring together two of Britain’s biggest heavyweight stars after years of negotiations and failed attempts to make the bout.Joshua was the first of the two fighters to publicly react after the fight was confirmed. He wrote on X, “The quietest ones often pull the strings. “Those who appear least involved may hold the greatest control. Let them shout first, the wisest wait until the final move. I am inspiring a generation.”The post appeared to reference Fury’s repeated social media attacks. Fury had previously branded Joshua a “coward” during the long negotiations.Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn had pushed for the fight to take place in the UK. The contest was initially linked with a November date at Wembley Stadium.Hearn also wanted Joshua’s purse increased because of the additional tax involved in staging a boxing event in the United States. The discussions eventually moved back to Britain.Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh later confirmed that the details had been finalised. The event will also involve The Ring and UFC boss Dana White as promoters.Alalshikh wrote, “Two of the best heavyweights of this generation, finally in the ring together. This will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history. I’m very happy to make this fight happen for the fans.”Joshua will now look to put a difficult nine months behind him when he finally shares the ring with Fury.
