Anthony Joshua breaks down future opponents
Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21ko), after recapturing the titles he lost against Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. (33-2, 23ko), is back on top of the mountain. That means that the target on his back has returned and is even bigger. There is no shortage of opponents lining up wanting to knock him off the thrown again.
The British champion is well aware of the challenges that await.
While being interviewed by Sky Sports, the charismatic champion provided insights about each potential opponent while acknowledging what each of the challengers brings to the table.
Heading the list of names mentioned were, respectively, IBF and WBO mandatory fighters Kubrat Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk. Next was former title challenger Dillian Whyte, followed by former unified champion Tyson Fury.
“Pulev comes from a great background of amateur boxing, comes from a boxing family, as his brother boxes as well, and soon to be one of my mandatory challengers.”
“Usyk comes from a great school of boxing, the sweet science of boxing, about hitting and not getting hit. I studied Usyk, so I know his weaknesses and strengths. That’s a competition I’ve been looking forward to and soon to be another mandatory challenger.”
“Whyte, he’s done well. He cleared his name of any allegations and issues. He’s a warhorse, Brixton Mafia. Strong, ready and I am ready to get it on again.”
“Fury feints, I think he takes inspiration from Muhammad Ali. He talks a good game, fights a good game and he’s a talented heavyweight boxer.”
AJ’s VIEW ON WILDER
Last, but not least, Joshua offered his perspective on fellow titlist and WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
“Wilder, very talented. They built him up very wisely, let him gain a lot of experience, which I think every fighter needs.”
“If I was managing a fighter, I would tell you to have as many learning fights as you can. Once you crossover into world championship level, there is no coming back.”
“Even though it took Wilder a few more fights than myself, when he crossed over into world championship level, he’s never looked back. His success and route to success worked out perfectly for him, so congratulations to him and congratulations to his team.”
While the boxing community awaits to see which mandatory challenger will get the first crack at the British champion,
WBC champion Wilder and former champion Fury are already set to square off in a blockbuster rematch scheduled for February 22, 2020.
The next few months are going to be bananas! Stay plugged in with 3kingsboxing.com to stay abreast of the moves taking place in boxing’s most historically celebrated division.
By: Garrisson Bland
