Anthony Joshua is fully preparing for his bout against Carlos Takam in Cardiff's Principality Stadium next weekend, but has also been casting his eye forward to December's upcoming grudge match between Tony Bellew and David Haye.

The pair face up on December 17, 2017 after their previous encounter was won by Bellew in the 11th round back in March.

Haye called for a rematch after he injured his Achilles in the sixth, but continued to fight on before Bellew knocked the 37-year-old against the ropes in the last round.

The 2016 press conference prior to the bout in 2017 ended in a fight breaking out between the pair.

However, trash talk was limited to the pre-fight build up, with David Haye calling Bellew the 'better boxer' and Bellew crediting Haye for continuing despite injury after the March bout.

Upon his return from injury, Haye has said his Achilles is fully recovered and that he is in 'perfect' physical condition. He has even hinted at a desire to fight against Joshua himself.

Bellew, meanwhile, thinks the fight can end in the first 10 seconds.

The 34-year-old Liverpudlian has 29 wins to his name and three defeats, but has only fought in the heavyweight division against Haye. His fitness since the fight in March has also repeatedly been called into question. 

Joshua was full of praise for the controversial former European cruiserweight title winner.

When asked about the rematch, AJ said: "Brilliant for Bellew, he's a phenomenal character, one of the realists in the sport. I've got a lot of respect for him.

"I'll be there, it'll be one before Christmas to look forward to."

In terms of Joshua's prediction, the 28-year-old believes Bellew will be victorious in the rematch.

"It'll be the same outcome. Haye is fit he is training on Miami on boats living the life, but he won the fight before it was even fought in his head.

"If you look at the previous fight, Haye was just trying to land Haymakers and Bellew was the boxer.

"Haye was swinging a big right hand and Bellew was moving his feet well. When you feel someone's best and you're able to carry on that gives you a boost."

Watch AJ talk about the fight in the video below. [Scroll to 14.25]

Bellew did indeed provide the upset of the boxing calendar year in 2017 when he defeated Haye.

Haye looks ready and raring for a return to the ring, however, ahead of the eagerly anticipated grudge match in December.