Anthony Joshua has been given some stern advice ahead of his rematch clash with Andy Ruiz Jnr by boxing legend Mike Tyson, who says the Brit must sort out his “f***** up” mind.
Joshua is heading straight into a repeat meeting with Ruiz following the first defeat of his professional career, and Tyson has warned that it must be handled in exactly the right manner.
To do so, Tyson feels Joshua must align his mind and consider training completely alone out of reach of everybody in order to confront his demons.
“He made a mistake, got hurt, and s*** happens,” Tyson said during the latest episode of his Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast.
“He can win it back though, but his mind has to be right. He ain’t gonna win it back if his mind’s f***** up.
“His mind’s gotta be right, he’s gotta dedicate his life to doing this.
“He’s gotta stay away from himself. When we go training, we go away in the mountains, we’re staying away from ourselves and our thoughts.
“In the mountains away from everybody, just the animals and the woods and stuff – you’re facing your demons alone.”
Joshua was widely expected to dispatch Ruiz easily during their June encounter, and in the third round Joshua smashed Ruiz to the ground only to be knocked down twice himself.
In the seventh, however, Ruiz finished it with more quick hands, before the referee intervened and brought the contest to an end.
A date is still set to be announced for the rematch, though a slot at the end of 2019 is expected.
Trending
- OSUN: NANS seeks intervention from Governor Adeleke, threatens protest over fee hike, palliative
- Easter Celebration: IGP orders round-the-clock water-tight security at all public spaces
- Kogi poll: SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’ against Governor Ododo
- No BoT in Labour Party, spokesman dismisses takeover claims
- Nigerian writer urges preservation of literary heritage amid writer shortage
- Health professionals brainstorm in Abuja, seek drug free society
- CAF announce dates for Champions League, Confederation Cup Finals
- Tayo Ayinde withdraws suit against Gani Adams, restates commitment to peace