Former two-weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders has backed Anthony Joshua\u2019s physical strength and punching accuracy as the qualities that could prove decisive when he eventually meets Tyson Fury, while acknowledging that Fury\u2019s superior boxing technique makes the all-British heavyweight showdown too close to call.\n<\/p>\n
Saunders, a long-time friend of Fury, offered a balanced assessment of the anticipated clash, suggesting the outcome will ultimately be determined by whichever fighter is better able to execute his game plan on the night.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve both got their own attributes. AJ\u2019s stronger, a cleaner puncher. Tyson\u2019s a better boxer, more slick.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoever can put together the best game plan will win, I think,\u201d Saunders said in an interview with The Stomping Ground.<\/p>\n
The fight remains without a confirmed date or venue, with promoter Frank Warren previously saying a meeting between all parties must first take place before those details can be locked in.\n<\/p>\n
Both fighters must first come through warm-up bouts, with Joshua (36) scheduled to face Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25 in what will be his first outing since a sixth-round stoppage of Jake Paul in December and his first since losing two close friends in a tragic car crash in Nigeria.\n<\/p>\n
Fury (37), meanwhile, returned from a 16-month layoff in April to outpoint Arslanbek Makhmudov in a performance widely considered below his best and is targeting another fight in August before the Joshua bout.<\/p>\n
Saunders also noted that Joshua\u2019s training relationship with Oleksandr Usyk \u2014 who has beaten Fury \u2014 could give him a significant edge in preparation. Usyk\u2019s blueprint for defeating the \u201cGypsy King\u201d is one Joshua\u2019s camp will have studied closely.\n <\/p>\n
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