Former super-middleweight world champion George Groves has advised Anthony Joshua to enlist Mike Tyson’s expertise as he prepares for his long-awaited heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury.
The rivals are scheduled to meet on December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, ending a decade-long wait for their highly anticipated showdown.
Both boxers enter the contest after stoppage wins, with Fury defeating Polish veteran Mariusz Wach, while Joshua overcame two knockdowns to beat Kristian Prenga. However, Fury is widely tipped to win.
Groves believes Joshua must adjust his approach, recommending elements of Mike Tyson’s aggressive fighting style to counter Fury’s advantages.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Groves said: “I think Anthony Joshua should bring Mike Tyson in to come up with the plan to beat Tyson Fury. What Joshua could also do is have a bit more of a Mike Tyson-esque style.
“Joshua could be a little bit more peekaboo, crouching, slipping, sliding, dipping, momentum going forward, bringing those big hooks and uppercuts off those dips, legs loaded.
“That would be the key to success because even though Joshua is a big, tall man, he gives away a bit of height against Tyson Fury. Getting some advice from a man who carved out a fantastic career always being on the shorter side of things makes perfect sense to me.”
However, securing Tyson’s assistance may be challenging, as the former heavyweight champion has publicly backed Fury.
Speaking to Piers Morgan about the fight, the 60-year-old declared, “Tyson’s named after me – I’m always with Tyson.” He added: “It would be nice [if he beats Joshua].”
Groves also expects Fury to prevail, predicting a possible stoppage within three rounds. He believes Fury’s size, punching ability and composure under pressure could prove decisive against Joshua.
“You’ve got to pick Fury as a solid favourite. Once he lands on Joshua, I think he knocks him out. It’s too much of a big-pressure fight for them to pull one another around and get rounds. The second Joshua gets clipped on the chin, I think he’s going to go over. Fury is too big,” he said.
“He’s not necessarily heavy-handed, but if he’s coming in the ring at 19-plus stone and throws a couple of solid shots, and starts finding his range, I think he hurts Joshua. I think he stops him. It might be really early. I think there’s a strong possibility that this fight is over in the first three rounds.”
