TLDR
- Lennox Lewis believes Tyson Fury has the mental edge over Anthony Joshua, while Joshua holds the physical advantage
- The all-British heavyweight fight takes place December 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff
- Agit Kabayel, who sparred both fighters, predicts Fury will win by points or knockout
- Cardiff last hosted an all-British heavyweight title fight in 1993 when Lewis stopped Frank Bruno
- Joshua showed vulnerability against Kristian Prenga in July but proved his knockout power remains dangerous
Sources: skysports.com | boxingnewsonline.net
Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis has given Tyson Fury the mental advantage over Anthony Joshua ahead of their all-British showdown on December 11. The former undisputed heavyweight champion praised both fighters but sees different strengths in each man.
“I think that Tyson’s winning on the mental, and on the physical I think it’s Anthony Joshua,” Lewis told Sky Sports. He called the matchup a unique and great fight that fans have been waiting for.
‼️ TKO (UFC, WWE and Zuffa) reportedly offered Anthony Joshua a $400 million deal for three fights in early 2026, which he immediately rejected, remaining loyal to Matchroom Boxing 🤯🔥
(As reported by @FazSportz) pic.twitter.com/YVGMnFS7Ox
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) October 12, 2026
The fight will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the same city where Lewis defended his WBC belt against Frank Bruno 33 years ago. That October 1993 bout marked the first all-British heavyweight world title fight in history.
Lewis stopped Bruno in the seventh round after a powerful left hook stunned the challenger. Now Cardiff hosts its second Battle of Britain with Fury and Joshua finally settling a rivalry that dates back almost a decade.
Different Styles Make for Unpredictable Fight
Lewis refused to make a definitive prediction about the December fight. “Styles make fights,” he explained, noting that both men have different approaches to boxing.
The former champion believes the fight could go the distance but acknowledged both fighters possess knockout power. “Anything can happen,” Lewis said.
Agit Kabayel, who has sparred both Fury and Joshua, offered his own prediction. The WBC world champion told Ring Magazine that Fury will win by points or knockout.
“The better boxing IQ [is with Fury], but only one guy [Joshua] in the heavyweight division can beat guys with one hand,” Kabayel said. He was referring to Joshua’s dangerous right hand power.
Kabayel’s assessment comes after watching both men in recent fights. Fury scored points and stoppage victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach with minimal danger.
Joshua’s Vulnerability and Power on Display
Joshua faced a much tougher test against Kristian Prenga in July. The 36-year-old suffered two knockdowns in the first round and nearly saw the Fury fight cancelled.
However, Joshua recovered to stop Prenga in the second round. The performance showed both vulnerability and the knockout power that makes him dangerous against any opponent.
The fight location was decided after long negotiations between both camps. Joshua’s team insisted the bout must happen in the UK, while Wembley was ruled out due to US broadcasting requirements.
Madison Square Garden in New York was considered before Cardiff was selected. The Principality Stadium has history with Joshua, who defeated Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker there.
The venue features a retractable roof, meaning weather will not affect the fight. This contrasts with the 1993 Lewis-Bruno fight, which took place in heavy rain at Cardiff’s now-demolished National Stadium.
Both Fury, 38, and Joshua, 36, are expected to compete for the WBA ‘super’ title. The winner could face Kabayel in a potential unification match down the line.
