Anthony Joshua has revealed the advice Floyd Mayweather gave him after his victory over Kubrat Pulev.
Joshua demolished Pulev on Saturday night to retain his heavyweight titles and set up the prospect of a mouthwatering unification fight against Tyson Fury next year.
Mayweather had described Joshua as "one of the best heavyweights out there" ahead of the fight, and he made a surprise entrance at Wembley Arena to watch the Brit in action.
Afterwards Joshua was seen chatting to the unbeaten former four-weight champion.
And he revealed what Mayweather had told him as he addressed fans on YouTube after defending his WBA, IBF, and WBO belts.
Joshua said the ring legend told him that boxing is a game of "chess, not checkers".
And while he didn't reference Fury in his message to fans, he will no doubt hope to put that advice to good use as he aims to unify the division by taking the Gypsy King's WBC title in an all-British mega-fight.
"What can I say, this is the fight game, at the same time I’m not in competition with anyone apart from myself," the 31-year-old told fans on his official YouTube channel.
"I’m staying true to myself, learning every day, I get older, I get wiser, I learn that this boxing game is chess and not checkers. I play a smart game and I make the right moves at the right time.
"Round nine, I got the knockout and onto the next."
Speaking ahead of Joshua's win over Pulev, Mayweather outlined the respect he had for the London 2012 Olympic champion.
"It’s always good to see some great boxing," the 43-year-old told Sky Sports .
"The UK is a great place, so many great fighters. I am proud of Anthony Joshua, and it’s lights, camera, action.
"He is one of the best heavyweights out there. Got a gold medal before. His career is going great, he is a hell of a fighter.
"Anything can happen in the sport of boxing, one shot can change it all. He is a great fighter, hell of a guy a gentleman and I respect his craft."
