Dave Allen, who has sparred both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, has backed Fury to stop Joshua early in their heavyweight mega-fight. The all-British clash is set for December 11 in Cardiff, with the pair finally settling a decade-long feud.
Allen's prediction
Speaking to talkSPORT, Allen said: "I think Fury wins. And I think he wins very early. The Prenga fight, Joshua's punch resistance looks to be all gone. I think he's been down like six times in his last two professional contests."
Allen added: "There has been lots of inactivity and he doesn't seem to be holding a shot the same way he used too which is a worry at his age. One thing he can do Joshua is punch, I can't see Fury coming and running, I think he'll try to put him away early. Apparently that is the plan, I think it will suit Joshua and it will be over in three rounds. I favour Fury, but Joshua also chinning him wouldn't be a surprise to me at all."
Body language analysis
Despite Allen's remarks, body language expert Darren Stanton believes Joshua has already beaten his long-standing adversary before they have even traded leather. Stanton told OLBG: "Such a tame press conference could be Joshua's first victory over Fury in this fight."
Stanton noted that Fury's traditional face-off antics, including getting on his tip-toes, were classic behaviour, but Joshua did not take the bait. He added: "They matched, mirrored each other and their postures, and I think that was unconscious, both making these power gestures with their fists, conveying resilience and strength."
Stanton concluded: "Fury is at his best when there's an atmosphere he can generate or latch onto, and there was none of that here. There isn't that hatred or contempt or needle for Fury to work, and that could be to his detriment. Neither man is underestimating the other but Joshua looks ahead, at least when it comes to the mind games."
The £150million clash could start as late as 2am in the United Kingdom to satisfy broadcaster Netflix's huge US audience, with millions worldwide expected to tune in.
