In a recent interview with VegasInsider.com, boxing superstar Claressa Shields threw her support behind Anthony Joshua in a potential showdown against Tyson Fury. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed middleweight champion, believes Joshua has what it takes to defeat Fury, despite acknowledging the latter’s impressive sđđŸđđs and track record.
“I think Tyson is great and a great opponent for AJ. But Iâm on a roll with AJ,” Shields said, emphasizing her confidence in Joshuaâs abilities. She pointed to Joshuaâs growth and learning experiences, particularly highlighting the lessons he took from his unexpected defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.
“I think he learnt a lot from the Andy Ruiz fight. I just think now AJ knows to over prepare, over focus, put boxing first. So I donât think that heâll be facing another defeat for a very, very long time,” Shields explained.
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Shields detailed the keys to Joshuaâs potential victory over Fury, focusing on specific aspects of his technique and strategy. “The keys to victories will be his head movement, his jab, body work and using his combinations and I think heâs been doing that very well in all of his fights. Heâs just going to have to be perfect that night because Tyson Fury is someone to be reckoned with.”
While acknowledging Fury’s formidable sđđŸđđs, Shields remains steadfast in her belief that Joshua has the edge. “Tyson Fury got a great jab, good footwork, movement, he holds some power, but I just think AJ brings more to the table sđđŸđđswise. If AJ brings his A-game, focuses and uses all his sđđŸđđs; like I said, heâs going to need his jab intact, the head movement, the bodywork, everything in order to win that fight,” she stated.
Shields also noted Fury’s need to be at his best to secure a win against Joshua. “Tyson Fury is going to have to fight his butt off too in order to beat AJ,” she remarked, adding her admiration for Joshuaâs resilience and heart. “I feel like AJ got a lot of heart, I see him get dropped by [Wladimir] Klitschko and get back up and Iâm a huge supporter of him.”
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the possibility of a clash between Joshua and Fury, Claressa Shieldsâ endorsement adds an interesting perspective to the ongoing debates. Her analysis underscores the potential for an epic battle, should the two British heavyweights finally meet in the ring.
