JOHNNY NELSON has backed Anthony Joshua to beat Tyson Fury with the pair expected to face each other in 2021.
The duo – who hold all four heavyweight world title belts between then – have agreed terms on a two-fight deal for next year.
And AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed he is ready to send out a formal contract for the undisputed domestic dust-up.
But both men must first win in their next outing, with Joshua, 30, to face his IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev, while Fury, 32, pits his wits against Deontay Wilder for a third time.
Despite many believing that Fury is the No1 heavyweight on the planet, former WBO cruiserweight champion Nelson believes Joshua is the better all-round fighter.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the Sky Sports pundit said: “Fury might say that AJ is scared and running, but both fighters want this fight.
“Both fighters are fighting men and confident of getting the win – so let’s never get that confused.
“This is something they want. Once they get their commitments out of the way they’ll be no more excuses.”
Pressed on who wins, he added: “That’s the tricky one. I’ve gone public in saying I think Anthony Joshua is the all-round better fighter.
“I think Tyson Fury is better tactically and the more technically equipped, but AJ is the all-rounder.
“He can fight, he can box, he’s an athlete. Tyson Fury is a boxer.
“I think both men are now at a stage where they’ve done so much and learned so much in their careers that they’re so neck and neck.
“But, I’d go with Anthony Joshua because he’s shown me a lot more variety in his arsenal.”
