Anthony Joshua reveals who would win in a bout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and says he would fight Yaya Toure
Heavyweight champ was asked who would be victorious if the two bitter La Liga rivals were to come to blows
ANTHONY JOSHUA reckons Cristiano Ronaldo would have Lionel Messi if they came to blows — and revealed the Real Madrid superstar as his inspiration.
Ronaldo and Messi have been bitter rivals for the best part of ten years and have won the last nine Ballon d'Or's between them.
But heavyweight champion of the world Joshua told the Ron would have the upper-hand in a fight as due to his intense training.
Joshua said: "Messi's got that ruggedness but Ronaldo looks like he's got the Bruce Lee - BANG!
"You know what I mean, just stand there and lick you with one hook and you're finished. Messi seems a bit more like his name... messy and rugged."
Joshua told of his admiration for Ronaldo, who led Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double last season, and how he is modelling his own career on the former Manchester United star's.
Joshua added: "I've been pro now three years, and I think early on I was trying to do everything because with boxing I come into the game as a professional.
"Remember I haven't had much background, so I had to present myself to the world — so for the first three years I was managing, managing, marketing and marketing.
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"But now I'm at a stage where I've just said I've done that, now I want to focus on being the best boxer then I get the inspiration from Ronaldo.
"It's just little things. He would train by himself afterwards to work on what he wanted to work on.
"I was speaking to [Rio] Ferdinand who said he was the only one in the team back then who had masseuses, nutritionists, psychologists, so he had that desire."
Joshua also said if he had to fight any footballer in the world he would want to take on Manchester City's midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure.
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev - Betting tips 🥊
Anthony Joshua defends his heavyweight titles against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on October 28 - here's our view on the fight...
- DIAMOND - AJ to win by KO, TKO or DQ in the First Round: "AJ is known for his devastating power and boasts an astonishing 100 per cent knockout record."
- NEXT BEST - Joshua to win by KO, TKO or DQ in the Seventh Round: "Pulev is experienced and may hold his own for the first half of the fight."
- LONG-SHOT - Pulev to win KO, TKO or DQ: "He's a massive underdog but heavyweight fights throw up a shock every once in a while."
AJ said: "Toure. He's a bit of a beast."
Anthony Joshua will defend the IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev on October 28 in Cardiff.
He said: “I’ve been eager to get back in the ring since Wembley and now we’re confirmed and ready.
“I'll be locked away, focusing on fight No 20 for the next eight weeks.
"I’m excited to experience the atmosphere in a sold-out Principality Stadium and aim to give the fans a spectacular night.”
