Anthony Joshua Won’t Be Distracted By Gavern Antics

By Terence Dooley

Anthony Joshua is a prohibitive betting favourite going into tonight’s heavyweight fight with America’s Jason Gavern, but the rising British star is wary of the visitor’s style and has vowed not to be distracted by his in-ring antics.

Gavern, 26-19-4 (11), is known for wooping and hollering during his bouts—a trait the 37-year-old displayed when taking part in Prizefighter: The Heavyweights over here in November 2013.  Joshua, though, has vowed to keep his head at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena even if Gavern starts fooling around.

“He can get into your head with his woo noises and his complaining,” said the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist when discussing his opponent’s unorthodox approach.  “Then all of a sudden he throws a big right.  I quite like that sort of thing too, but if I start playing up to it my coach will go mental.”

It is Joshua’s first fight since November—an injury has kept him out of action—yet the 25-year-old has vowed to return stronger than ever and has expressed a desire to do a number on Gavern to move to 11-0.

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