By Terence Dooley
Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) formally unveiled Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 early) as the opponent for Joshua’s first defence of his IBF heavyweight title during a presser in London earlier today. Joshua’s multi-fight deal with Showtime was also officially announced. The fight takes place on June 25 at London's O2 Arena.
Like Charles Martin before him, the American visitor talked a good fight by vowing to KO his London-based opponent. “I don't care about what deals A.J. has going on,” he said, referring to the U.S. TV deal. “I'm excited, man—I wish it was this weekend. I hope Joshua is ready for a war and a dog fight on June 25th. I'm coming here to knock him out.”
“Thanks to Showtime Sports and Sky Sports, I don't allow any of this to go to my head,” Joshua declared. “Me and Breazeale are very similar with the number of fights we've had. He's the fourth undefeated fighter I've faced.”
Things had started quietly with both men showing mutual respect, but that all changed during a heated head-to-head.
Breazeale kept talking to Joshua during their face off, prompting the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist to ask him if he had a “Problem”. “Keep talking, but then don’t back it up, like the rest of the Americans,” he added.
“I’m bringing it, man,” was Breazeale’s response, prompting Joshua to ask Hearn to explain that: “It’s not just all about the 25th.”
“I respect you, you’re the champ, but it’s all about the belt,” added Breazeale. Clearly put out by the fact his opponent was continuing to stare him down despite the photo call being called to a close, Joshua flashed back with: “Don’t stand there like you’re about to do something. Man to man, show me some respect.”
“Don’t push up on me,” he added as Breazeale refused to budge an inch. “Don’t act with me, I see through all of it.”
“I’m not acting,” stated Breazeale, by this point security had edged closer to the pair. “You’ve got yourself a fight, Anthony,” he added as Joshua walked away.
“It’s not an act, I’m not here to sell nothing—I’m a fighter,” Joshua shot back over his shoulder.
“You can act bad in front of all of these cameras, but in the end you’ve got to put a mouthpiece in and gloves on your hands,” said Breazeale, delivering a final retort.
It is all talk for the time being, and Joshua has done his own talking with his fists thus far in his career. However, Breazeale’s brashness bodes well for the contest as former foe Martin looked well beaten before the first bell sounded.
Joshua’s next American assignment may just provide him with the test, and rounds, he requires at this stage of his professional development.
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