Deontay Wilder showdown: I can’t please everyone–Joshua

Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says he will not be “drained” by criticism and has called on the public to support him as a “person” rather than a boxer.

Joshua, 28, defends his IBF, WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

But some fans and pundits have been critical that a bout with WBC champion Deontay Wilder has not materialised.

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“I can’t please everyone anymore, so I get that and so it’s my game now,” Joshua said.
“I’m having fun with it. I did 16 fights and went in for a world title, three years an amateur and went and won the Olympics, unified the heavyweight division, and it’s still not good enough.

“Either I get stronger from it or I get drained by it. I think I am getting stronger from it as it builds up a thicker skin.

“Get behind me as a person rather than a boxer. If you support me, support me as a person for life but if you’re with me just for boxing, when it’s going good you’ll be there but if it’s bad you will not,” said the boxer.