Joshua stronger than Fury – ex-world champ Saunders
Anthony Joshua
Kindly share this story:
Former two-weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders has backed Anthony Joshua’s physical strength and punching accuracy as the qualities that could prove decisive when he eventually meets Tyson Fury, while acknowledging that Fury’s superior boxing technique makes the all-British heavyweight showdown too close to call.
Saunders, a long-time friend of Fury, offered a balanced assessment of the anticipated clash, suggesting the outcome will ultimately be determined by whichever fighter is better able to execute his game plan on the night.
“They’ve both got their own attributes. AJ’s stronger, a cleaner puncher. Tyson’s a better boxer, more slick.
“Whoever can put together the best game plan will win, I think,” Saunders said in an interview with The Stomping Ground.
The fight remains without a confirmed date or venue, with promoter Frank Warren previously saying a meeting between all parties must first take place before those details can be locked in.
Both fighters must first come through warm-up bouts, with Joshua (36) scheduled to face Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25 in what will be his first outing since a sixth-round stoppage of Jake Paul in December and his first since losing two close friends in a tragic car crash in Nigeria.
Fury (37), meanwhile, returned from a 16-month layoff in April to outpoint Arslanbek Makhmudov in a performance widely considered below his best and is targeting another fight in August before the Joshua bout.
Saunders also noted that Joshua’s training relationship with Oleksandr Usyk — who has beaten Fury — could give him a significant edge in preparation. Usyk’s blueprint for defeating the “Gypsy King” is one Joshua’s camp will have studied closely.
Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories
Kindly share this story:
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
UPDATE NEWS: As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium domains for as low as $2500. You get paid in US Dollars. Ideal for Civil/public servants, Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Doctors, IT Experts and many others. Click here to start.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
8 minutes agoTinubu seeks Senate confirmation of ex-FUOYE VC as ambassador
26 minutes ago Actress Ini-Okojie welcomes baby boy, shares emotional birthday post
31 minutes agoPolice detain six officers in Imo over viral assault video
38 minutes ago Nigeria better prepared for future outbreaks after COVID-19 investments - NACA
Police kill two kidnappers, recover N2.2m ransom proceeds in Ogun June 24, 2026 11:56 am
Tinubu never said Nigerians should reject him over power supply - Presidential aide
