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JOSHING AROUND

Anthony Joshua put through his paces at open workout ahead of Dominic Breazeale bout

Brit will make the first defence of his IBF world heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena on Saturday night

ANTHONY JOSHUA was put through his paces at an open workout in Bethnal Green on Tuesday as his world title defence looms.

The 26-year-old looked calm and composed at the York Hall as he continued his preparations for unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at London's O2 Arena.

 Anthony Joshua takes part in an open work out days before his title defence
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Anthony Joshua takes part in an open work out days before his title defenceCredit: PA:Press Association
 The Brit will defend his IBF world heavyweight title on Saturday
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The Brit will defend his IBF world heavyweight title on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

Joshua will be making the first defence of the IBF world heavyweight title he won in devastating fashion against Charles Martin in April.

The world champion said he will be treating Breazeale like any of his previous 16 bouts.

He told : "It is what it is, it is just a fight.

"It's the same ring, referee and I've just got a different opponent in the corner and it was the same situation when I didn't have the IBF belt so that is what I'm saying about mental preparation - I've just got to chill out.

 

 Joshua is undefeated in 16 professional bouts and won the title off Charles Martin in May
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Joshua is undefeated in 16 professional bouts and won the title off Charles Martin in MayCredit: Reuters
 Joshua will return to the O2 Arena to fight Dominic Breazeale on Saturday
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Joshua will return to the O2 Arena to fight Dominic Breazeale on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

"There is still hard work in a weird way because, even if it is not physically draining, it is mentally because my coach expects a lot from me.

"He wants me to step up the levels, he wants me to be sharp, so even though it is not physically draining, there is still a lot of mental preparation to do as well."

 

 Breazeale takes part in a public work out at York Hall in Bethnal Green
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Breazeale takes part in a public work out at York Hall in Bethnal GreenCredit: PA:Press Association

Breazeale was also present at the workout in east London, and the challenger said he has nothing to lose on Saturday.

"I have enough confidence in myself to know that I'm ready to walk into the lion's den and become the new lion of the pride,' he told.

"He's got all the pressure and all the distractions, I got my back against the wall and nothing to lose, what better place to be?"

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