Focused Joshua has Canelo mentality – Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua has the same mindset as reigning P4P king Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as he puts laser focus on defeating Tyson Fury later this year, according to Eddie Hearn.

Hearn has promoted AJ throughout his professional career, and has promoted the last two fights for Canelo too – wins over Callum Smith and Avni Yildirim.

Having been up close with both men behind the scenes, Hearn says he does see definite similarities in the way they deal with their business. Specifically, they are all business.

AJ and Canelo all business

The Matchroom supremo told Sky Sports: “I see similarities, not in the ring, between him and Canelo. Two guys who came from nothing, who have built their legacies, who have the same hunger now as when they first walked into a gym.

“That’s what makes a winner. Joshua is constantly trying to evolve. When you walk into Canelo’s dressing room after a fight he is talking to Eddy Reynoso about how he can improve.”

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Contracts are not yet signed for Fury vs Joshua – though both Hearn and Bob Arum have stated there are no remaining issues. Eddie says AJ is now totally focused on the bout which will define his career to date.

“He is so focused. Although he’d tell you that he’s training just to improve as a fighter, I know that all he’s thinking about is Fury.

Joshua focus is on Fury

“He’s working on the plan to beat this guy and become undisputed. I love the work he’s doing, the improvements he’s making, the mindset. He has the mind-set of a winner, of a champion.

“Fury is a fantastic fighter but AJ will do a job on him. The preparation starts now. Don’t think Fury isn’t doing the same. He knows. This may be the biggest fight of all time.”

Both Fury and Joshua are expected to earn around $100million each for their first fight alone. They are expected to ink a two-fight deal with an immediate rematch as part of the plan.

The first bout is expected to take place in the Middle East with COVID-19 restrictions ruling out a large crowd attending any fight in the UK right now. It is hoped the rematch may be in the UK though, with Wembley Stadium the front runner.