Daniel Dubois' trainer Don Charles believes Anthony Joshua has become 'apprehensive' and lost his 'physicality' ahead of his heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury, backing Fury to win.
Joshua and Fury are due to end their decade-long feud on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Over 500,000 boxing fans queued in an attempt to purchase a ticket, but only 80,000 went on sale. The heavyweight hard-hitters are set for a 1am ring walk, with the time suiting American audiences.
Charles backs Fury to reign supreme
Charles, who has helped guide Dubois to become a two-time heavyweight champion, offered his verdict on the all-British dust-up. Speaking to Tony Bellew on Fight Your Corner, in partnership with Midnite, he said: "I've always seen that Fury would be the victor of that fight."
Charles added: "I just can't see previously, had it happened six years ago, how Joshua would negate his way into punching range to be effective on Tyson Fury with that style. Yes, he could use his physicality, but they've trained that out of Joshua."
Joshua's jab 'no longer a weapon'
Charles believes that since Joshua's shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr back in 2019, the 37-year-old has become rather 'apprehensive' in his approach. He said: "The old Joshua had a ramrod jab and he could compare his jab to that of Daniel Dubois' jab previously. They've trained that in where he just probes with it. Before, it was a weapon. His jab is no longer a weapon."
Fury is expected to start as the favourite for the fight, but Joshua insists he will relish the occasion. The Olympic champion recently spoke at the launch of Under Armour's HeatGear and ColdGear Baselayers designed for athletes who embrace pressure rather than shy away from it.
Joshua embraces pressure
Joshua said: "Pressure comes with every part of this sport. Every training session, every fight, every expectation. I've learned that you shouldn't run from it. You have to embrace it and when you've put the work in, pressure becomes something that drives you forward."
