Anthony Joshua must show mental dominance to beat Tyson Fury – Roy Jones Jr
Former four-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr believes Anthony Joshua’s psychological edge will be the deciding factor when he faces domestic rival Tyson Fury in their highly anticipated heavyweight clash later this year.
The British duo are expected to finally meet in the ring before Christmas, ending more than a decade of bitter exchanges and failed negotiations.
Both heavyweights signed agreements for the historic double-header shortly after the Gypsy King secured a comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.
Before the undisputed showdown can happen, the Watford-born fighter will first return to action against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July.
Psychological warfare the key to victory
As the long-awaited encounter draws closer, 57-year-old boxing icon Jones Jr has weighed in on what the former Olympian must do to overcome his undefeated opponent.
The American legend believes the mental state of the two-time unified champion will entirely dictate the outcome of the blockbuster bout.
“You’re looking to see how his mental dominance works,” Jones Jr said in a recent interview.
“If he’s mentally dominant, then you know he’s ready to go into a big fight, but if he’s not mentally dominant, then he’s not ready for Tyson Fury.”
“Mental dominance is the look you see on his face from round one until whatever round it takes to end it.”
Rematch clauses and broadcast battles
The mammoth all-British rivalry is expected to feature a two-fight deal, with the inaugural contest set to be broadcast live on Netflix.
A planned rematch would then be shown on DAZN, ensuring both fighters’ respective broadcast partners are accommodated.
Jones Jr has urged both men to embrace the possibility of a trilogy if the opening bouts deliver the spectacle boxing fans are hoping for.
“If it’s a very good fight, a very competitive fight, and it’s close, we all want to see it again,” he explained.
“We’re going to want to see two out of three, but if somebody completely dominates somebody, we’re just going to say he was better than him.”