Joshua showed me nothing against a fighter he literally had nothing to fear from, why he didn't take Pulev out inside of 4 rounds was telling. I can't see Joshua knocking out Fury therefore he cannot win.
I still lean towards Fury, but Joshua can make things difficult for him. I think Fury's versatility will eventually be Joshua's undoing. Joshua's a very good textbook HW, but take him out of his comfort zone and I suspect he falls apart. I think Fury spends the first half of the fight making Joshua second guess himself, making him miss, forcing him off balance or having to fight at ranges he's not comfortable at. Then he'll start turning up the heat, catching Joshua with shots he isn't ready for, mauling him on the inside and imposing himself. I think the end comes fairly swiftly after that. He won't just come at Joshua like he did Wilder. That'd be a very dangerous strategy considering Joshua's counterpunching ability and punch variety. Wilder is clueless on the backfoot and relatively easy to push off balance due to his gangly frame and uneducated movement; Joshua maintains his stance a lot better and is physically a more solid man with far better technique on short shots like the uppercut, bodyshot and hook. If Fury tries to manhandle him he's liable to eat a big punch and go down. I don't think he'd be foolish enough to do that.
50/50 fight for me, I would be rooting for fury but not surprised at all if AJ stopped him. Then again I would also not be surprised if fury boxed his head off for a wide UD.
Did you even watch the fight ? He pulled back and countered Pulev’s jab with a right hand to start the 3rd round assault
I think it will be close. AJ does some decent work on the inside and won't be muscled and pushed back like Wilder was. However, Fury could use the jab, feints, and outbox him. However, I feel he will be goaded into being aggressive which will help AJ. Fury at 60/40 fav for me,
Very interesting fight. AJ must show more purpose than he did against Pulev. He needs to step in behind that jab, both to the body and head. I'd love it if Fury comes out aggressive, as he says he will, and don't think he's without a chance if he does, but his safest bet is to make it a bit boring like the Wlad fight and Wilder I, I think. If anyone gets stopped my money is that it happens to Fury.
I can easily imagine Fury, in his signature legacy fight, taking it to another level and completely humiliating AJ in something close to Calzaghe/Lacy fashion. Fury's just acquired that presence and mystique about him and has become bigger, stronger, oozes confidence and self belief. We know he can adapt his style too. I've always favoured Fury over AJ. But .... AJ is a quality heavyweight and he's only lost once and he's such an athletic talent in his own right. He can box and he can punch and he's determined to improve his craft. You have to say he'll be Fury's best opponent if they fight next year. i'd make this a 60-40 fight in Fury's favour.