Anthony Joshua assesses his heavyweight rivals' skills
Can AJ beat Klitschko, Fury, Wilder and Cornish?
Tuesday 11 August 2015 11:44, UK
Anthony Joshua can see plenty of mouth-watering fights out there for himself when he assesses heavyweight rivals Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
The Olympic gold medallist spoke to Sky Sports about his potential future opponents.
He explained the dangers of fighting everyone from his upcoming opponent to a pair of world champions.
Wladimir Klitschko
Joshua spent an educational period training in the long-reigning WBA, IBF and WBO champion's gym and admires the 39-year-old's respectful demeanour and methodical technique.
Joshua said: "The fact that he would even acknowledge someone like myself who is still so new to this career tells you about his character. You get people in my sport who haven’t achieved what he has achieved and they belittle people. Yet someone of his credibility praises other athletes.
"It’s a shame that, in boxing, there’s so much negative energy. That’s why I admire Klitschko - because he’s at the highest level but he’s respectful. I take my hat off to him.
I try to implement that style now but I’m not doing a very good job of that!
"He knew who I was, and invited me to his gym. He needed sparring and we helped each other.
"Remember, he’s an Olympic champion so he’s got the pedigree. He’s got this style where the sweet science of boxing is down to a tee. He knows how to win rounds, and over 12 rounds, he breaks opponents down.
"I like that style even if it’s not my style. It’s effective because nobody is able to beat him. I try to implement that style now but I’m not doing a very good job of that!"
Tyson Fury
The silver-tongued colossus will challenge Klitschko in October and, like Joshua, is an undefeated domestic prospect. But what gives Fury his edge?
Joshua said: "What makes Fury dangerous is his Irish blood. He has the heritage of a fighting man.
"Some people have bags of talents but don’t have heart, but he does. He has more heart than talent - he’s still talented but so is everybody.
"But who has that work ethic? Tyson has the drive that makes him dangerous.
"I’m a fan of Tyson because he’s undefeated as a pro for eight years. He’s a very big man which creates problems. But I think Klitschko will beat him."
What makes Fury dangerous is his Irish blood. He has the heritage of a fighting man.
Deontay Wilder
The Alabaman banger was a fellow KO specialist until winning a tactical decision to take Bermane Stiverne's WBC title in January. Is that a path to glory that AJ could emulate?
Joshua said: "He put on a 12-round clinic to win the title but I don’t look at that and think ‘that’s what I need to do’. Everyone said he couldn’t go 12 rounds but then he did, so I admire him proving people wrong.
"He’s going to continue doing really well. I liked seeing him become the first American heavyweight champion in years. It changes the dynamic of boxing.
"It’s been eastern European champions for a long time but I like what Deontay has done for America. The boxing scene is lifting out there and that’s a good thing. Deontay becoming champion, at this specific time, has helped.
"I like watching him fight. He’s a big guy who is very tall with untold amounts of power. That’s what you need at heavyweight!"
Gary Cornish
Joshua will fight the undefeated Scot on September 12, live on Sky Sports, so what is Cornish bringing to the table?
Joshua said: "He’s never lost, so he doesn’t know what it’s like to taste defeat, so he’s coming to win.
"He has mental and physical strengths. Mentally, because he's undefeated, he's strong but also he has his size. He’s 6’8” and 18 stone which is dangerous in itself.
"I’m very familiar with Gary, he’s improved in the past three years. He’s now doubling his jab up, and countering with right hands."
