There was something almost surreal about seeing Fury and Joshua finally sitting next to each other after so many years in which their rivalry had existed primarily through interviews, social media, and failed negotiations. Both had arrived hours earlier for individual interviews. As the press conference began, emcee Michael Buffer introduced the couple as fireworks shot off from the front of the stage. They entered from opposite sides at the same time: Joshua relaxed and composed in a gray tracksuit and sunglasses, Fury more extravagantly in a vivid emerald green suit covered in crown motifs over a white shirt. Along with media from around the world, a few hundred fans filled the balcony above and quickly made their allegiance known as “Oh Anthony Joshua” Airways ARC. Joshua is credited with pushing to keep the fight in Britain and, if Wednesday was any indication, he can expect strong backing in Cardiff, even with the main event potentially starting around 02:00 GMT to accommodate American audiences. For two men whose names have been linked for so long, Fury and Joshua have spent remarkably little time together. But their famous sparring session in 2010, when Joshua was still an amateur, soon became the topic of conversation. Fury suggested he was over the situation, prompting one fan to shout: “Liar.” Joshua smiled and said he couldn’t remember. For those who believe the fight came years too late, Fury had a simple answer. “It’s the icing on the cake of two great careers,” he said. Moments later, he looked back at the word “Finally” on the giant screen behind them. There were several moments of common ground. Fury nodded as Joshua spoke about his Christian faith, and even when the two exchanged insults, they rarely felt venomous. “This man here is carved in stone and every time his jaw is broken, he falls down,” Fury said. “When I hit him in the jaw with a big right hand, he falls down.” Joshua laughed and shouted Fury’s own catchphrase: “Get up.”
