AS the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion, Anthony Joshua prepares for his second defence title against Eric Molina on December 10, British heavyweight boxer, David Price has said he would have been a better opponent for the Nigerian-born boxer.
Joshua, born in Watford to a Nigerian mother and father stopped American Charles Martin in the second round in April this year to become the new IBF king, while he successfully defended the belt with the stoppage of the previously unbeaten Dominic Breazeale in June.
But Price, believes 34-year-old Mexican-American Molina can’t stop the boxer christened Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua by his Nigerian parents.
“The reason why I would have been a better opponent than Molina is that I would have been going in to win. Molina is not going to come to win, he’s going to mess Joshua about, and spoil for a few rounds, then he’s going to sit on the ropes and get knocked out. I would have fought fire with fire, which is why it would have been more exciting for the fans.
“Getting in the ring with a world champion doesn’t fill with me with fear or dread, it’s exciting. I was hopeful [of fighting Joshua] but the reality was they were always going to take the safer option. Molina was coming over (anyway) as my opponent, and it goes to show the level that Joshua is fighting,” Price told Boxing News magazine.
Meanwhile, Joshua, the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, who is the proud record owner of 17 fights and 17 wins by knockouts, said he is prepared for the showdown billed for the Manchester Arena next month.
“I am pleased that everything is now set for December 10 and I can concentrate on getting the business done in the ring. There has been plenty of talk about who I may face but all I’m doing is concentrating on finishing Molina in style and putting on a great show,” said the 27-year-old former WBC international heavyweight champion.
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