Freddie Roach insists Anthony Joshua has better ‘boxing skills’ than Tyson Fury – but backs ‘Gypsy King’ to KO British rival if he fights southpaw

Freddie Roach believes Tyson Fury can knock Anthony Joshua out when they finally meet, but claims he will only do so if he fights as a southpaw.

‘The Gypsy King’ is locked in a collision course with his British rival for 2021 to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time since 1999.

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Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield finally met in the ring after several years of controversy and indecisiveness, with Lewis taking all the trinkets back to Britain after their rematch.

It seems as though Fury and Joshua are finally closing in a blockbuster pair of fights for next year, provided AJ can get past wily veteran Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night.

Roach, who was in Fury’s corner for his first fight against Deontay Wilder in 2018, believes the 32-year-old can stop Joshua in his tracks – but not by his usual method of outfoxing the Olympic gold medallist.

Speaking to Marc Gatford via the blog, Roach said: "Tyson Fury can be a beast in the ring and go right at you strong, or he could come out as more of a boxer and out-box you.

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“For this fight, I'd like to see him go out and pressure and batter Anthony Joshua. Pressure him early and beat him up.

“He won't do it, but I would encourage him to fight in his natural southpaw stance. He's a beast as a southpaw.

“Joshua's best chance to win is by using his boxing skills since they are better than Tyson's. Anthony must dictate the pace and stay off the ropes.

“For both, distance will be important. I think Tyson wins this one by knockout."