Business as usual for Joshua ahead of title defence

Omnisports

June 22, 2016 12:39 AM

Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF title for the first time on Saturday but the British star is treating the heavyweight bout like any other fight.

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Heavyweight champion Joshua will step into the ring with American Dominic Breazeale at O2 Arena in London this weekend after dethroning Charles Martin in April.

The 26-year-old Olympic super-heavyweight champion has an impeccable record, having won all 16 of his professional fights by knockout.

But Joshua insisted it is business as usual, despite his title being on the line.

"There is still hard work in a weird way because, even if it is not physically draining, it is mentally because my coach expects a lot from me," Joshua told Sky Sports.

"He wants me to step up the levels, he wants me to be sharp, so even though it is not physically draining, there is still a lot of mental preparation to do as well.

"It is what it is, it is just a fight. It's the same ring, referee and I've just got a different opponent in the corner and it was the same situation when I didn't have the IBF belt so that is what I'm saying about mental preparation - I've just got to chill out."

Omnisports