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Anthony Joshua v Kevin Johnson: A preview of Saturday's heavyweight bout live on Sky Sports Box Office

Anthony Joshua v Kevin Johnson (Lawrence Lustig)
Image: Anthony Joshua v Kevin Johnson

An overview of Anthony Joshua's bid to be the first man to stop heavyweight rival Kevin Johnson, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Background

Anthony Joshua is the darling of British boxing and has snatched headlines all over the show by stopping his first 12 professional opponents inside three rounds or less.

But in 35-year-old American Kevin Johnson, he faces a man who has fought Vitali Klitschko for a world title but still never been stopped in a 36-fight career.

On paper, this is clearly the Olympic champion's toughest test to date and Johnson has fanned the flames of an intriguing clash by boasting he will fight with his hands down to expose what he perceives is Joshua's lack of power.

There was further drama at the weigh-in, when the man from Georgia laid a hand on Joshua's heart and told him just what he thought about what will unfold on Saturday night.

What the fighters say

Joshua: "Johnson can bring out the best in me."

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Anthony Joshua is happy that Kevin Johnson is confident ahead of their fight, so he can last and stand up to him

Johnson: "Half the fight I'm going to fight with my hands down."

More from Joshua V Johnson

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Kevin Johnson says his bout with Anthony Joshua is going to be the best heavyweight fight to be seen in the last 13 years

What the experts say

Johnny Nelson's prediction: Joshua late stoppage

"It's a good test for Joshua because finally his chin will be tested. He will get hit. We know he can do it privately, but it will now be tested publicly on a big stage."

Paul Smith's prediction: Joshua stoppage in rounds 4-6

Paul Smith

"Joshua will stop Johnson, but it will take him more than the usual two to three rounds to get the job done. Joshua is hurting people now and he likes it."

Jim Watt's prediction: Joshua late stoppage

Jim Watt

"You've obviously got two guys at the different end of their careers but the good news is there is no doubt Johnson will take Joshua a few rounds. And who knows, he might even fiddle his way right through to the end."

Book Joshua v Johnson as part of Brook v Gavin, also featuring Mitchell and Selby, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office, May 30, via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavin

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