Ronaldo will KO Messi – Joshua

Anthony Joshua would back Cristiano Ronaldo in a fight against Lionel Messi because of the Real Madrid superstar’s superior physical condition.

Ronaldo and Messi have been rivals at the pinnacle of the footballing world for the best part of a decade – sharing the last nine Ballon d’Or awards between them.

But while Barcelona’s Messi leads the way in that department, winning five to Ronaldo’s four, Joshua believes the Portuguese would have the edge in the boxing ring.

Joshua told YouTube channel COPA90: ‘Messi’s got that ruggedness but Ronaldo looks like he’s got the Bruce Lee – bang!

‘You know what I mean, just stand there and lick you with one hook and you’re finished. Messi seems a bit more like his name… messy and rugged.’

World heavyweight champion Joshua also spoke of his appreciation for Ronaldo’s professionalism, revealing that he was inspired by the Real Madrid man’s work ethic and how he has marketed himself.

‘I’ve been pro now for three years, and I think early on I was trying to do everything because with boxing I come into the game as a professional,’ Joshua added.