Anthony Joshua refused to be lured into a back-and-forth with Tyson Fury ahead of Saturday’s return against Kristian Prenga.
Joshua faces Prenga in Saudi Arabia, knowing that victory will set-up a long overdue showdown with Fury later this year.
‘The Gypsy King’ must also prevail in his warm-up fight against Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand on Friday.
Fury had been expected to fly from Thailand to Jeddah to announce his bout with Joshua, but the 37-year-old told reporters including Pro Boxing Fans that he won’t be in attendance for his rival’s clash.
‘AJ’ was quizzed about Fury’s remarks at Thursday’s final press conference, but refused to be drawn on his comments.
“You can’t disrespect my opponent here,” the 36-year-old said.
“We don’t want to talk about Tyson Fury.
“Respectfully, I’ve done all the media that I can about what the future holds.
“I’m focusing on him and his team.”
The two-time heavyweight world champion was pressed further and once again insisted his focus was on Prenga, the unknown Albanian who has won 20 of his 21 professional fights.
“A professional journalist doesn’t care what I have to say, but still wants to get his question across,” he added.
“I understand, but let’s focus on what the job is.
“Anyone can be there Saturday.
“The more tickets sold the better, but we’re in the ring, it’s just me and him and that’s where my focus is.”
The pair have signed to fight, however a date and location is unknown for their long-awaited clash.
Saudi Arabian boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh said the bout would have to take place at 2am if it were to land in the UK and hinted at an announcement after both men have fought.
“Let’s see Joshua fight, Fury fight — it is this week.
“And after that we have a big announcement.”
Joshua fights for the first time since knocking out Jake Paul in December.
The two-time heavyweight world champion was involved in a horror car crash 10 days later while on holiday in Nigeria.
Two of his close friends Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami were both killed, while Joshua escaped with minor injuries.
