By Edward Chaykovsky
Heavyweight contender Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15KOs) believes he's been able to mentally shake IBF world champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16KOs).
The unbeaten pair is set to collide on June 25 at the O2 Arena in London. The fight will be the first overseas bout for Breazeale as a professional.
Both of them were involved in the 2012 London Olympics. Breazeale was knocked off by Russia's Magomed Omarov in the first round. Joshua on the other hand took it all the way and brought home gold.
The two heavyweights have been trading words through the press and promise to score vicious knockouts.
Breazeale's PBC [Premier Boxing Champions] stablemate, Charles Martin, also felt that he mentally shook up Joshua. Martin made his first defense of the IBF title against Joshua in April, and saw himself get blasted out in two easy rounds.
Even Breazeale was highly critical of Martin's performance in that fight and feels confident that history will not repeat itself. He plans to put his punches together to check the chin of Joshua hard and fast.
"I am an opportunist and if I see an opportunity, I am going to take advantage of it. If he exposes something or shows a weakness of some sort, I plan to take advantage of it," the 30-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ after landing at London Heathrow Airport.
"I'll go with the game plan, of course. My trainer has done a great job developing a game plan, but if I see an opportunity I am going to take advantage of it. I'll hit him hard, hit him strong, hit him with everything, just be ready. We've had a great camp and it's the most exciting part about camp, getting to the finish line and I am excited. I am ready for it."
"It seems that I got under his skin, I don't know him very well, but I could just tell from his attitude and demeanour, that he was a little rattled. That's always a good thing, he knows he's in for a big fight and he's not got a push over on his hands."