Anthony Joshua believes he will face a ‘new Frank Bruno’ in his upcoming heavyweight battle against Daniel Dubois. AJ explained how sitting alongside Cristiano Ronaldo improved him. ANTHONY JOSHUA believes he will face the ‘new Frank Bruno’ on Saturday at Wembley. The 34-year-old Watford icon sees Daniel Dubois as the current version of British legend Bruno, who took four attempts to win a heavyweight world title.

Anthony Joshua took a swipe at Daniel DuboisCredit: Getty

Dubois gears up to tackle his first title fight

Frank Bruno became a world champ on the fourth time of askingCredit: Getty

Dynamite Dan has only lost one attempt so far — against Oleksandr Usyk — but also took flak after surrendering to Joe Joyce in his only other loss.

When Bruno won the WBC crown by beating Oliver McCall at Wembley in 1995, it was one of the most beautiful moments in modern boxing memory.

Dubois, 27, backed by Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, will carry that underdog mentality almost 30 years later — and AJ knows it.

Joshua said: “They believe in him. He keeps getting opportunity after opportunity. It reminds me of the Frank Bruno story.

“He had opportunity after opportunity to become the heavyweight world champion and finally achieved it.”

Defending IBF champ Dubois is flying under latest coach Don Charles.

But it is respected assistant Ian Duberry — brother of ex-Prem defender Michael — who Joshua knows best from his days on remand at Reading prison.

AJ said: “I know Don well but I know Ian Duberry better. He was a mentor and a head of the youth offenders system when I was involved in it.

“So I know that team and that gym and I know they don’t just work from stats, they work from spirit.”

Rubbing shoulders with the glitterati does not impress old-school fighter AJ.

He said: “I’ve never been a person who is caught up in the superstar thing. I just look at the character of people.

“When I learn about their character, I take it back to my community.

“Rather than just be in awe of these people, who everybody admires, I try to tap into their minds and psyches and learn how they got to where they are.

Imagine how much a Cristiano Ronaldo consultation would cost — so when I’m ringside with him, I use the chance to pick his brain.

Anthony Joshua

“These people could charge thousands of pounds for meetings — imagine how much a Cristiano Ronaldo consultation would cost — so when I’m ringside with him, I use the chance to pick his brain.”

A possible spring showdown with Tyson Fury for all four world belts is still a dream.

But Joshua claimed: “I’m more of a short-term dreamer.

“I approach every week thinking, ‘What can I achieve this week?’.

“So I’m not looking for undisputed. I’m looking at this week, then the next.”

Anthony Joshua was sat alongside Cristiano Ronaldo to watch Tyson Fury’s loss in Riyadh in MayCredit: PA

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois during a press conference at the OVO ArenaCredit: PA