Johnny Nelson questions Anthony Joshua’s mindset before Fury bout

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson believes Anthony Joshua’s mentality has prevented him from reaching his full potential and is now a serious concern before a possible fight with Tyson Fury.

Nelson’s assessment follows Joshua’s meeting with Kristian Prenga, an Albanian opponent he was expected to defeat convincingly. Joshua was knocked down twice in the opening round, but recovered in the second to stop Prenga himself.

The performance was intended to show that Joshua had regained his sharpness after months working with Oleksandr Usyk’s team. Instead, Nelson viewed the contest as evidence that the former two-time world champion is vulnerable. He also argued that Joshua processes difficult moments differently from most fighters and lacks the mental strength needed at this stage of his career.

Nelson added that Prenga’s punching power should not be ignored, but said Joshua should not have been put in that position. In his view, the reaction to the fight, including claims that Joshua may be finished, means the 35-year-old must reassess himself before continuing.

For that reason, Nelson does not want Joshua to take another bout before facing Fury. He also believes Fury should avoid an interim fight, as another appearance by either heavyweight could jeopardise the proposed meeting. The Fury contest has not yet been officially confirmed.

Negotiations remain focused on where the fight would take place. Joshua and Eddie Hearn want the bout staged in the United Kingdom under the terms of Joshua’s contract, while Sela and Netflix have pursued Madison Square Garden in New York. New arrangements would therefore be required if the American venue is selected.