Anthony Joshua received advice from the most unlikely of characters, former world champion Shannon Briggs.
For reasons unknown, Briggs crashed a New York City press conference to promote the anticipated rematch between Joshua and IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz.
Back in June, Ruiz captured the titles when he stopped Joshua in the seventh round of their contest at New York's Madison Square Garden.
The rematch is scheduled for the date of December 7th in the neutral location of Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, now as the challenger, has a new mental outlook.
Briggs gave Joshua some advice, before he went face to face with Ruiz.
"The champ, Shannon Briggs, told me to look into his soul," Joshua told Sky Sports.
"I know who I am. I don't have to come on this gully vibe because I know who I am, and I'm not insecure. I don't portray a character. I know thyself. But the champ, a man of experience, told me to look into his soul. That wasn't for the cameras. It was about me and him."
Joshua was not upset over Ruiz showing up 45 minutes late to the press conference.
But he also wants that Ruiz will have nowhere to hide when they meet in the ring for a second time.
"He's the champ, he can come when he's ready. Come fight night when the bell goes there is nowhere to hide. This stuff is the mind games but the physical is pending. That's what I look forward to," Joshua said.
"I've seen a lot. I've seen people who talk a good game but can't fight. I've seen the most humble of fighters who are in the top five in history. I've seen Andy Ruiz - a humble guy who can fight."
