ANTHONY JOSHUA insists his second world title reign will be a dream after his first run ended up a “f****** headache”. AJ collected the IBF heavyweight strap in his 16th fight, the WBA from Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and the WBO from Joseph Parker in 2018. But he was constantly badgered with questions about WBC […]
ANTHONY JOSHUA insists his second world title reign will be a dream after his first run ended up a “f****** headache”.
AJ collected the IBF heavyweight strap in his 16th fight, the WBA from Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and the WBO from Joseph Parker in 2018.
But he was constantly badgered with questions about WBC king Deontay Wilder and undefeated fellow Brit Tyson Fury.
Mike Tyson, one of Joshua’s heroes, could not handle the mental pressures of being the Baddest Man on the Planet.
And, although different characters, 30-year-old AJ compares his plight to the one that contributed to Iron Mike’s painful capitulation.
Joshua said: “The belts can be your best friend or worst enemy. It just depends on you as a person.
“It’s hard to say no. It’s hard being champion. Trust me, it’s not all fun.
“I remember when Tyson said ‘You couldn’t walk in my shoes’. It’s not what it seems like. This life of dedication, it’s a f****** headache.
“The new reign will be more low-key. It’s not the show any more. I’m here just to take over. We’ve promoted the hell out of boxing in a short space of time.
“Now I just want to focus on being a better fighter.”
Joshua’s home 2012 Olympic gold changed the face of British boxing and fights like Saturday night — when he regained his titles with a points win over Andy Ruiz Jr — will inspire a new generation.
He said: “For my own small part, carrying the sport is hard. I love the sport, so we want to promote it, to bring through other athletes who are depending on my success.
“Putting that pressure on ourselves is difficult. We want to keep British boxing alive but now I just want to keep myself alive in that ring.
“It’s dangerous and I want to concentrate on the skill and the art.”
Another pain will be juggling the mandatory fights the sanctioning bodies started forcing upon Joshua before the blood around his cut left eye had even dried.
The WBO have already given him 180 days to fight their No1 contender Oleksandr Usyk.
And the IBF will be pushing for him to face their grizzled veteran southpaw Kubrat Pulev. In between he will try, once again, to arrange an undisputed decider with Wilder.
But he refused to even utter the Bronze Bomber’s name, such is his frustration at not landing the fight.
He said: “I’m always going to have to prove myself, aren’t I? That’s the name of the game.
“Over the next three to six months, I’m going to have to do it again. It’s no good winning this time and losing next time.
“That was a big issue before, some guys only talking negatively about me, but I am not hitting back.
“Next I want the guy with the other belt.”
After fighting in New York and Saudi Arabia inside six whirlwind months, Joshua wants to return home to reward his loyal fans.
He added: “London’s calling, I think.
“We’ve been away for the whole year.
“It just shows that British supporters do play a big part in my career.
“Any time I’m on home soil I can’t lose. I stepped away and I took my loss and I put myself back together.
“Now it’s back home to Finchley, back home to Sheffield, back to the grind. Being on home soil will make a big difference.”
