Anthony Joshua: 'I've have a cage fight, I'd probably get beaten but I'm open to it'
World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been caught up in the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor hype and says that the prospect of a boxing match against a mixed martial artist or a cage fight in the future appeals to him.
McGregor, a two-weight UFC champion, steps into a boxing ring against Mayweather in a mega-fight on Saturday night, the event trending to become the richest fight of all time.
IBF and WBA heavyweight champion Joshua, who is expected to defend his titles against Kubrat Pulev either in Las Vegas or Cardiff later in the year, said: "I like fighting, I'd do whatever. I'd probably get beaten. The only thing that they can't do is submissions, but they can kick, elbow, bite - whatever they want. Just no submissions.
"I can't beat a guy (via submission). That takes a lot of time to learn the skills and submissions, which I don't have the time for, but when it comes to pure aggression and fighting rules, I can definitely fight, so I don't mind that."
Joshua is keen to get back into camp after defeating Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April.
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"I've been away with the family and need to get back to reality. Sitting on the beach getting my toes rubbed, that's not the life of an athlete. I've got to get back to the gutter, keep organised, keep disciplined. I've done my holidays and need to get back to the military mindset I live."
Joshua is not convinced that the Irishman can pull off an upset victory.
"It's probably (going to be) a landslide. Look at the great fighters Mayweather's fought, and he's made them look average," he said.
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"Some of the fighters Mayweather's fought would probably beat Conor McGregor as well; Conor can't really compete. He's coming out of his field and going into Mayweather's domain. Even though he's an excellent fighter in UFC, he's not an excellent boxer. Him crossing over is going to be a real, big challenge.
"He could give a good account of himself; I think Mayweather will win but as long as he gives a good account of himself, it'll work really well for him. I don't think Mayweather's done it for the money, I don't think he needs the money: he's done well from boxing. Conor was calling him out and people were saying they wanted to see the fight. The fans dictate the fight: if they want to see it, they get it. You can't fight with a pay cheque, you can only fight with heart: that's the only thing that gets you through tough times."
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