The two former heavyweight world champions are scheduled to face each other at the Principality Stadium following years of failed negotiations. Fury, 38, claimed that Joshua had turned down several opportunities to fight him in the past before finally agreeing to the highly anticipated bout.

Speaking to WSVN Miami from his training camp, the former WBC heavyweight champion admitted that he had previously doubted whether Joshua would agree to face him in the ring.

“I didn’t think he had the minerals to get in there with the GK (Gypsy King) and he didn’t,” Fury said.

“At the end of his career, now he wants a final payday. I will give it to him, no problem.”

Fury described the contest as the closing chapter of an era, noting that both British fighters were approaching the latter stages of their boxing careers.

“They’ll see legendary fighters throwing down in their late 30s as all the greats did before,” he said. “Just two modern-day gladiators throwing down. For pride, glory and a **** ton of money.”

Despite the significance of the Joshua fight, Fury stressed that he was not planning to hang up his gloves immediately afterwards. He disclosed that he had two fights remaining on his current contract but would consider signing a fresh 10-fight deal if the financial offer was attractive.

“If the money’s right, sign another 10 fights, but they’ve got to be quick because I’m getting older,” he said. “I’m coming up to fight number 40.”

The former champion also revealed that a trilogy fight against Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk remained one of his major ambitions. Fury has continued to challenge the outcome of their second encounter.

“If you want to get paid you’ve got to come and see me in the heavyweight division,” he said, referring to Usyk.

Fury also boldly declared himself the greatest heavyweight in boxing history.

Meanwhile, anticipation for the Joshua-Fury showdown has reportedly been enormous, with more than 500,000 fans said to have queued for tickets, despite only 80,000 seats being available. The fighters’ ring walks are scheduled for 1am to cater to television audiences in the United States.

Fury is expected to enter the contest as the favourite. Don Charles, trainer of fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois, has backed Fury, arguing that Joshua has lost the jab that previously served as one of his most effective weapons following his 2019 defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr.

Joshua, 37, has maintained that he is prepared for the occasion and intends to use the pressure surrounding the fight as motivation.

“When you have put the work in, pressure becomes something that drives you forward,” he said during the launch of Under Armour’s HeatGear and ColdGear baselayers.