LONDON: Boxer Anthony Joshua said he was feeling “no emotion” ahead of his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title bout with reigning champion Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
The former two-time world champion told a public workout at Wembley Arena on Wednesday night that he wanted to show his “gladiatorial spirit” in front of an expected crowd of over 96,000 at Wembley Stadium.
AJ, Dubois and all of the fighters taking part in the Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition undercard were put through their paces at the workout event, which was free for the public to attend.
“There’s no emotion. No emotions. I’m just here,” Joshua said.
The Watford man was impressed with the scale and standard of the facilities for a public workout.
“There’s a fight here happening tonight right? Ten out of ten. Three fights happening tonight. It’s ten out of ten,” he said.
“I feel like I’m in the ring ready for my fight as well. It feels good. Canvas feels good. Size is good. I just need to get my wraps on and my gloves and I could fight today,” he added.
When pressed on what he had planned for the next three days ahead of the fight, he continued: “More media, more talking. More training most importantly. And walking into the ring in front of 96,000 people ready to show people my gladiatorial spirit.”
Joshua was accompanied in the ring by young members of his first amateur boxing club in Finchley.
“It means everything, it’s what it’s about, opening doors for people like people did for me too,” Joshua said when asked about the importance of giving back to the next generation.
“This is being on the big stage, they’re the boys and girls from my club, we’re a local town and so I thought I’d bring them down,” he added.
Dubois said he was ready for the build-up to the fight to finish and just wanted the bout to start.
“It’s all part of the pre-fight ritual, I’m going through the motions and just building up my energy for Saturday. I’m ready to fight so I’m in a good place at the moment,” he said.
“I’ve just worked hard in the gym. I’ve suffered and worked really hard for weeks and months.
“I know I need to go to another level at my very best. I can’t wait for the challenge on Saturday. I’m ready to fight, let’s go,” he added.
As part of the event, Riyadh Season put on three small-rounded bouts following the public workouts. Chris Kongo was among the winners after easing to a 59-55 win over Jacob Quinn.
The fights also included Aadam Hamed, the son of legendary boxer Prince Naseem, who looked classy in his victory over Santiago Garces.
The bill was topped by the highly-regarded Cameron Vuong who looked impressive in beating Joe Underwood Hughes.
