There was something almost surreal about seeing Fury and Joshua finally sitting side by side after so many years in which their rivalry had existed primarily through interviews, social media and failed negotiations.
Both had arrived a few hours earlier for individual interviews. When the press conference began, emcee Michael Buffer introduced the two men as fireworks burst from the front of the stage.
They entered from opposite sides at the same time – Joshua relaxed and composed in a gray tracksuit and sunglasses, Fury more flamboyant in a bright emerald green suit covered in crown designs on a white shirt.
Alongside the world’s media, a few hundred fans filled the balcony above and quickly made their allegiance known as “Oh Anthony Joshua” around the British Airways ARC.
Joshua has been credited with pushing to keep the fight in Britain and, if Wednesday was any indication, he can expect strong support in Cardiff – even with the main event possibly starting around 02:00 GMT to suit American audiences.
For two men whose names have been linked for so long, Fury and Joshua have spent remarkably little time together. But their famous sparring in 2010, when Joshua was still an amateur, quickly became the topic of conversation.
Fury suggested he had gained the upper hand, prompting one fan to shout: “Liar.” Joshua smiled and said he didn’t remember.
For those who think the fight came years too late, Fury had a simple answer. “It’s the icing on the cake of two great careers,” he said. Moments later, he glanced at the word “Finally” on the giant screen behind them.
There were several moments of common ground. Fury nodded as Joshua spoke about his Christian faith, and even when the two exchanged insults, they rarely felt venomous.
“This man here is carved from stone and every time he gets his jaw broken he falls,” Fury said.
“When I hit his jaw with a big right hand, he falls.”
Joshua laughed and shouted Fury’s own catchphrase: “Get up.”
Gn sports
