British-Nigerian heavyweight star Anthony Joshua has pledged to keep his emotions firmly in check when he shares the ring with long-time rival Tyson Fury on December 11 at the Principality Stadium, insisting he will not fall into the psychological traps that undid Deontay Wilder.
Speaking in an interview with combat sports writer Mike Coppinger for The Ring, the former two-time world champion reflected on Fury’s legendary trilogy with Wilder, analyzing where the American knockout artist allowed frustration to compromise his stamina and tactical discipline.
”Wilder took those fights very personally, and that could be quite exhausting, especially when you hurt someone and try to finish them. You lose a lot of energy, and then Tyson comes back,” Joshua observed. “Wilder could have gotten the job done if he was a bit more calm, cool, and collected. He could have learned from that. Wilder tried to take him out of there, while Fury just managed to weather the storm and come back.”
Determined to maintain a detached, professional mindset during the blockbuster contest, Joshua added: “I do not believe that would be me. I am going to keep a calm head. I’m not going to take anything personally except for just wanting to do my job.”
The December 11 clash at Cardiff’s iconic venue carries immense competitive stakes. Promoted by Queensberry Promotions chief Frank Warren, the bout will feature the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Championship.
The title became available after undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt, setting up a high-stakes showdown between two fighters seeking redemption following previous defeats to the Ukrainian master.
”We have got three of the four heavyweight champions on our roster, and we are going to make unification fights next year,” stated promoter Frank Warren, outlining broad plans for undisputed divisional unification bouts slated for 2027.
Victory on December 11 would elevate Joshua into an elite fraternity of three-time world heavyweight champions alongside legendary figures Muhammad Ali, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis, and Vitali Klitschko.
Joshua enters the ring sporting a professional record of 30 wins, 4 losses, and 27 knockouts. Fury counters with a ledger of 36 victories, 2 defeats, and 1 draw, including 25 stoppages.
