Two-time unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has said he has been sparring without a head guard as he prepares for Saturday's world title fight with Kubrat Pulev.

Joshua, who claimed his trainer Rob McCracken was not happy with his decision sparred eight rounds on Wednesday night inside the Matchroom bubble at the Wembley Hilton, Complete Sports said.

“We did eight rounds, six with the head guard and two without,” said Joshua. “Rob didn’t like it!

“I know what works for me, he manages it. We work together.

“You’ve got to stay switched on. The body can get soft easy. You’ve got to stay switched on, shots coming at you, gauging distance, feeling different shots.

“I know what works for me, he manages it. We work together.

“You’ve got to stay switched on. The body can get soft easy. You’ve got to stay switched on, shots coming at you, gauging distance, feeling different shots.

“I want someone in the ring imitating Pulev, so that’s good.

“It’s just keeping your eye in. I could hit the pads, but they don’t hit back. The heavy bag doesn’t move, having a live opponent in front of you, moving your legs, it becomes second nature.

“The best thing I can do is do in the ring what I’m need to replicate on Saturday and think this is normal.”