British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has stepped up preparations for his long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury by training with a specially designed heavy bag modelled after the “Gypsy King.”
Joshua and Fury have signed contracts for their highly anticipated clash but must first navigate separate tune-up fights this weekend. Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on Saturday, while Fury takes on veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand.
Joshua’s longtime coach, Sean Murphy, revealed that the custom-made training bag was designed to replicate Fury’s physique and fighting style, helping the former world champion prepare for the blockbuster encounter.
The 36-year-old has insisted he will not underestimate Prenga, having learned a painful lesson from his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 when he was already looking ahead to another opponent.
Saturday’s fight will also be Joshua’s first since the tragic loss of two close friends in a car accident, and he is expected to dedicate the bout to their memory as he continues his quest toward the much-anticipated Battle of Britain against Fury.
