Joshua forecasts possible first-round knockout against Fury

Anthony Joshua has predicted his scheduled heavyweight fight with Tyson Fury could end in a first-round knockout, setting out an aggressive game plan at the pair’s first press conference in London.

Joshua told Sky Sports he wanted a “spectacular” victory. He said the fight’s staging in the UK mattered to him because of the fans, while adding that he had not been completely willing to walk away if it could not be held there.

The bout is scheduled for 11 December at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, after a dispute over its venue. Joshua said he wanted to do what he could to make the fight happen and that bringing it to the UK was part of that effort.

Joshua described himself as durable and hard to beat, while acknowledging vulnerabilities. He said he was not considering retirement regardless of the result, adding that his boxing career had more to come.

Fury is an early bookmakers’ favourite, according to Sky Sports. The report also said Joshua had been floored in the opening round of two of his previous three fights.