Lewis Backs Fury To Hold Mental Edge Over Joshua In December Showdown
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis believes Tyson Fury will have the psychological advantage when he faces Anthony Joshua in their long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The rivalry between Fury and Joshua has lasted nearly a decade, marked by verbal exchanges, contractual disagreements and several failed attempts to arrange the blockbuster fight before an agreement was finally reached.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lewis described the contest as a significant moment for British boxing, saying it was a unique fight that fans had waited years to see.
Although he declined to predict the winner, the former champion believes Fury could have the mental edge, while Joshua holds the advantage physically.
Lewis said the contrasting styles of the two heavyweights would make the outcome difficult to predict, with the possibility of the fight going the distance despite both fighters possessing the power to secure a knockout.
The former world champion is familiar with the magnitude of an all-British heavyweight showdown, having faced Frank Bruno in 1993 in one of British boxing’s most memorable encounters.
Bruno made an encouraging start, but Lewis stopped him in the seventh round after landing a left hook and following up with a series of unanswered punches that forced the referee to intervene.
More than three decades later, Cardiff is preparing to host another major British heavyweight contest as Fury and Joshua finally prepare to settle their long-standing rivalry.
Negotiations for the fight were complicated by disagreements over the venue. Joshua’s camp reportedly favoured a location in the United Kingdom, while Wembley Stadium was effectively ruled out because of United States broadcasting requirements.
New York’s Madison Square Garden was also considered before the Principality Stadium was selected.
The Cardiff venue is familiar territory for Joshua, who has previously defeated Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker there. Its retractable roof is also expected to eliminate concerns about adverse weather affecting the event.
With the agreement finally secured, Lewis believes both fighters must now concentrate on preparations rather than allow negotiations to dominate the build-up.
He said the two heavyweights wanted the fight and were ready to proceed, stressing that the next step was to enter training camp and prepare for the challenge.
For British boxing fans, the December 11 encounter represents the culmination of years of anticipation, with Fury and Joshua finally set to meet in a contest that could define their respective legacies.
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