Jones Jr backs Joshua’s knockout power in Fury clash

File: Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr has said Anthony Joshua’s best chance of beating Tyson Fury lies in his knockout power, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Jones Jr gave his assessment of the December fight in an interview with iFL TV. He said he did not favour either fighter and described himself as a fan of both men, praising their contributions to boxing.

“I am really not slipping towards one or the other. I like both guys; I am both guys’ fan. I think that both of them have done boxing a lot of great wonders, a lot of great things and have given boxing a lot of great nights,” he said.

The American, however, said Fury’s ability to adapt during a fight could give him the edge if the contest becomes tactical.

“One thing about Fury is that he has always been that guy who always seems to be able to figure things out. So, I know that he is good at figuring things out, and you have got to lean towards him on that but, at the same time, AJ has the power to take him out,” he said.

Jones Jr added that the fight would come down to two possible outcomes.

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“So, somebody is either going to get figured out, or somebody is going to take somebody out.

“If it is a ‘take-out’, I think that AJ takes him out, but if it is a ‘figure-out’, then I think that Fury figures him out.”

Fury has built his reputation on his movement, size, defensive awareness and ability to change tactics in the ring, while Joshua is known for his punching power and his ability to finish opponents when he finds openings.

The two Britons will meet at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday, December 11, with the WBA super heavyweight title at stake. The fight will be shown live on Netflix. Fury has a record of 36-2-1, while Joshua stands at 30-4.

Both men are former world champions, and a win would make either a three-time heavyweight champion. The fight has also been awaited for years, although questions remain over how they compare with their peak selves.