There was something almost surreal about seeing Fury and Joshua finally sitting side by side after so many years in which their rivalry had existed mostly through interviews, social media and failed negotiations.
Both had arrived hours earlier for one-to-one interviews. When the news conference began, master of ceremonies Michael Buffer introduced the pair as fireworks shot up from the front of the stage.
They entered from opposite sides at the same time – Joshua relaxed and composed in a grey tracksuit and sunglasses, Fury in more flamboyant fashion in a vivid emerald-green suit covered in crown motifs over a white shirt.
Alongside the world’s media, a few hundred fans filled the balcony above and quickly made their allegiance known as “Oh Anthony Joshua” rang around the British Airways ARC.
Joshua has been credited with pushing to keep the fight in Britain and, if Wednesday was any indication, can expect strong backing in Cardiff – even with the main event potentially starting about 02:00 GMT to suit 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 had got the better of it, prompting one fan to shout: “Liar.” Joshua smiled and said he could not remember.
For those who believe the fight has come years too late, Fury had a simple response. “It’s the icing on the cake of two great careers,” he said. Moments later, he glanced back at the word “Finally” on the giant screen behind them.
There were several moments of common ground. Fury nodded along as Joshua spoke about his Christian faith and, even when the pair traded insults, they rarely felt venomous.
“This man here is carved in stone and every time he gets cracked on the jaw, he falls over,” Fury said.
“When I crack him on the jaw with a big right hand, he’s going down.”
Joshua laughed and shouted back Fury’s own catchphrase: “Get up.”
