UFC champion Conor McGregor is famed for predicting when and how he will finish his opponents.
But now it seems Anthony Joshua has been peering into a crystal ball of his own.
The unbeaten British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion is bidding to conquer the world with a shot at the IBF title against Charles Martin at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday night.
Joshua is supremely confident going into the biggest fight of his life – and has made a McGregor-like prediction of his own.
The Olympic gold medallist, who has won all of his 15 pro fights by knock-out, would not be surprised if his bout with the undefeated American will go the same way.
But asked to pick the round, Joshua obliged, saying he will knock out the 29-year-old southpaw in the sixth.
‘Self-belief is vital in boxing,’ Joshua told the Daily Mail. ‘And there wouldn’t be much point going into this fight if I don’t truly believe that I will win.
‘I also know the importance of going for the KO — especially for us heavyweights. The ring is a dangerous place to be for 12 rounds against another big man wearing only 10oz gloves.
‘The quicker you can get the job done, not only the better but also the safer. Preferably in the first half of the fight.
‘So if you are pressing me to pick a round — let’s say the sixth.’
It will be the toughest fight he has faced to date and a huge step up in opponent. While Martin may not be considered on the same level as Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder, he is a very dangerous fighter.
The big-punching left-hander has won 21 of his 23 wins by knock-out and will be looking to make a huge statement against Joshua who is one of the most lauded prospects in boxing right now.
Joshua was rocked to his boots by Dillian Whyte, but recovered well, stepped up the pressure and knocked out the fellow Brit in the seventh stanza. It was the first time in his career he was taken beyond the third round.
Bookies have slashed odds on Martin knocking out the 6ft 6in Watford heavyweight – with odds cut from 5/1 to 7/2. The price on Joshua to win has drifted out to 1/5 from 1/9.
If you fancy sticking money on Joshua’s sixth round KO prediction you can get odds of 12/1.
