People might not believe it, but I just love the day before a fight.
I feel incredibly relaxed, there’s no stress. I know all the hard work is done, I’m as ready as ever and, throughout the day, I’ll start gradually itching for the ring walk.
You always picture that moment walking out at the O2 with the roar, people chanting your name, knowing all the fans have got your back. That energy is just unreal, you feel like a gladiator in front of your home crowd.
It’s actually been a relaxed fight build-up even with the change of opponent. I’ve just stayed in my own little bubble and got on with the job in hand. As I always say, the only thing I can and will worry about is me.
The day before is all about fuelling your body as much as you can, resting up and pretty much just hanging out with the team. Come fight night, the routine doesn’t change a great deal, you just go through those same motions of getting ready.
There have been times in the past when I might have struggled to sleep beforehand, but that’s not a problem any more. I’ll crash out no worries and be refreshed and ready come tomorrow.
I might have been preparing for Dillian Whyte, but now I’m ready for Robert Helenius, and I can’t afford a second of complacency. Late replacements aren’t ideal but I’ve had it before.
Carlos Takam stepped in for Kubrat Pulev, while Andy Ruiz Jr was the replacement for Jarrell Miller. I love the idea that Helenius should have been on holiday with his family instead of here for this fight, but all he’s doing is delaying it by a week.
I’m not thinking about holidays or life after the fight. Sure, I’ll have a break, I always do, but with my coach Derrick James I now see fights as short stop-gaps in training. I want to fight again this year, so this fight is just timeout from training in Dallas.
I’m relishing the moment we touch gloves tomorrow night and get ready to go to war
Helenius and I have been in a ring before my title fight win over Wladimir Klitschko. A lot has happened since then, but I’m relishing the moment we touch gloves tomorrow night and get ready to go to war.
I know all eyes are on me. There will be critics of the fight whatever the outcome, there always are and I’ve got used to that on my journey. But what’s important to me is earning the respect of my coach, my team around me and my fans. I know they all believe in me.
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