Anthony Joshua has claimed his destiny has 'already been decided' ahead of his blockbuster clash with Francis Ngannou tonight.
And the Briton has also opened up on Tyson Fury after the 35-year-old recently lashed out at Ngannou in a press conference.
All eyes are on Joshua tonight, with the 34-year-old facing one of the riskiest fights of his career.
He is the strong favourite to beat Ngannou, who has had just one professional boxing match so far - which was against Fury back in October.
Anthony Joshua has claimed his destiny has 'already been decided' ahead of his showdown with Francis Ngannou
GETTY
Joshua, should he win, will move one step closer to fighting Fury in a showdown millions all over the world are pining to see.
The Watford-born star said he received a 'good reminder of what's at stake' with Fury after the Gypsy King's row with Ngannou.
But he insists his sole focus is on Ngannou right now.
"I got a pretty good reminder of what’s at stake with Tyson Fury out here in Riyadh and having a little exchange with Ngannou in yesterday’s press conference," he told the Evening Standard.
"It’s all part of the game.
"Sure, Fury might be the bigger picture further down the line and there are plenty of talks going on around making a fight between the two of us a reality.
"But for now I’ve got to put those blinkers on and walk before I can run.
"I’ve worked so, so hard.
"I had maybe a week to 10 days off after the last fight and then it was straight back into training.
"I don’t see this fight as any different. Again, it’ll be no more than a short break from training.
"There’s still work to be done to get up to the top and I don’t like being away for training for too long, it helps to quench my thirst in between the fights.
"What’ll happen tonight? I know, my destiny’s already decided.
"I’m not going to share it with you but be sure to watch. It’s going to be explosive."
Joshua also opted to praise Ngannou, admitting he's been wowed by the Cameroonian's back story.
"I’ve got my game plan for Francis Ngannou and, sorry, I’m not going to tell you what that’s all about!" he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Tyson Fury recently argued with Francis Ngannou at a press conference in Saudi Arabia
GETTY
"But I know what I need to do to get the job done.
"Already, I’ve talked on these pages about how impressive a puncher he is and how I believe he’s got the makings of being a world-class boxer.
"He’s already shown in MMA he’s a world-class fighter. The boxing bit will come.
"And you can’t help but be impressed by the guy’s back story.
"He came from nothing, he overcame a lot of adversity and travelled miles away from home to realise his dream.
Anthony Joshua knows there's plenty on the line as he prepares to take on Francis Ngannou
GETTY
"That was never his dream, we all know it was to be a boxer and emulate his hero Mike Tyson.
"That he’s done that is a credit to his perseverance, and he deserves all the plaudits coming his way.
"Him winning would be the fairytale finish to that story but I’m not going to give him the luxury of a happy ending.
"As fighters, we all have dreams and for me, that’s to become a three-time world champion."
