Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are ready for war but avoid insults and barbs ahead of heavyweight title showdown – as AJ reveals how he will win crunch clash at Wembley

Beneath the Guildhall’s towering widows of stained glass, the ornate chandeliers, the golden galleries and the marbled statues of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois declared themselves ready for war.

The ceremonial heart of the City of London witnessed the announcement of duels down the centuries. Except by swords, not fist. Never mind.

The Saudi Arabia patrons of this weekend’s fabulously expensive world heavyweight championship showdown at Wembley were surely gratified. A gaggle of American and other commentators were suitably impressed.

This was the real McCoy. Not Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Only there was not so much as a porcelain cup of tea to whet the media conference, never mind bottomless crystal flutes of champagne. So it goes.

The words, after they were introduced to the high chamber by legendary announcer Michael Buffer were not sparkling, either.

The pair will go head-to-head in a money-spinning battle on Saturday night at Wembley

Dubois said he will ‘resutrrect his career’, while Joshua promises to ‘win by breaking him down’

But they were restrained, respectful, diplomatic even.

Dubois: ‘Let’s go. Can’t wait to complete the resurrection of my career by making history. Be it points or knock out I will do what it takes to beat him.

Joshua: ‘A blessing to be back at Wembley to prove I’m in supreme condition mentally and physically. I will win by breaking him down.’

The opening of proceedings had been heralded by the strains of a minuet. Albeit recorded.

In keeping with the mood, there was no hint of the threatened skirmish at their televised head to head promo.

But as Buffer says, they’re ready to rumble.