Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have come face-to-face for the first time since their long-awaited heavyweight fight was officially confirmed.
According to Netflix Sports, the British rivals shared the stage on Wednesday as they began the build-up to their December 11 showdown at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The face-off marked a major moment in a rivalry that has stretched for more than a decade without the two former heavyweight champions meeting professionally in the ring.
Fury promises aggressive approach
Fury used the launch press conference to make clear that he intends to take an attacking approach when the pair finally meet.
“I’m gonna come out and blast him out of there,” Fury said.
“It’s going to be curtains.”
The former heavyweight champion also acknowledged Joshua’s achievements despite years of rivalry between the pair.
Joshua keeps focus simple
Joshua, meanwhile, played down the significance of the long build-up and said his attention remains firmly on producing his best performance on fight night.
“Just do what I’ve got to do to make it a great fight,” Joshua said.
The two also revisited a sparring session from years ago, offering different versions of what happened when they previously shared a ring in training.
December fight ends years of failed negotiations
Fury and Joshua will meet professionally for the first time on December 11 after several previous attempts to organise the all-British heavyweight clash collapsed.
The fight will take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and stream live globally on Netflix.
Reuters reported that the contest will be for the vacant WBA ‘Super’ heavyweight title.
Fury enters the bout with a professional record of 36 wins, two defeats and one draw, while Joshua has 30 victories and four defeats.
Both men have returned to winning ways after suffering setbacks in recent years.
First face-off builds anticipation
Their appearance together on Wednesday provided the first glimpse of the atmosphere surrounding a fight that has long been demanded by British boxing fans.
Fury and Joshua stood inches apart during the face-off before eventually separating without incident.
The December clash will finally settle one of British boxing’s longest-running rivalries after years of negotiations, public challenges and failed attempts to make the fight happen.
