• London 2012 Olympics

I can handle weight of British expectation - Joshua

Anthony Joshua is the world super-heavyweight silver medallist © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Olympic gold means more than pro title - Joshua
  
• News: Heartbreak for British trio at Worlds
  
• News: Joshua joins the growing list of Olympic hopefuls
  

British super-heavyweight Anthony Joshua is determined to turn his World Championship silver medal into Olympic gold at London 2012.

Joshua, one of five boxers to have qualified for the British team so far, admits he is feeling the pressure to claim victory on home soil, but believes he will not crumble under the weight of expectation and is taking one fight at a time.

"It's good to have the nation behind me," Joshua told Sky Sports' Ringside. "I'm thriving on it in a good way. It is motivational and I know I'm going to get out there and do my best. [Winning gold] is the aim and I'm sure everyone expects that from me as well, including my team-mates and my coach. But step by step, I'm going to take one bout at a time.

"I can handle the pressure because deep down I expect things from myself as well as what others expect of me. I won't leave any stone unturned. I'm going to give it my best shot."

Joshua, who lost to Azerbaijani Magomedrasul Medzhidov in last year's World Championship final, believes the super-heavyweight category is one of the toughest divisions at this summer's Games.

And with Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and Aleksandr Povetkin all former Olympic champions in Joshua's category, he will be in esteemed company if the Brit can claim gold in London.

Lewis believes Joshua has all the credentials to win gold, but warned the 22-year-old to keep his focus and make the most of his opportunity.

"He's a big, strong kid; he's the right size and he's got the right attitude," Lewis said. "He's in his learning process right now but I see good things for him in the future.

"He should just stay focused and make sure he goes out there and is successful. When you go to an Olympics you never know when you are going to be there again so you have to make the best of it when you are there.

"If you feel that you've left something in the gas tank, then you didn't try your best. You should try your utmost to be successful, win the fight. Remember you won't ever get a chance again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.