Anthony Joshua still needs development, says Lennox Lewis
Thursday 14 July 2016 09:43, UK
Lennox Lewis feels Anthony Joshua needs more experience before stepping in with the world's leading heavyweights.
The 26-year-old Londoner (17-0-KO17) won the IBF world title in April when he demolished Charles Martin and made his maiden defence with a seventh-round stoppage of Dominic Breazeale in June.
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Unification clashes with the likes of WBA Super and WBO holder Tyson Fury (25-0-KO18) and WBC king Deontay Wilder (36-0-KO35) are slated for 2017, but former divisional kingpin Lewis believes Joshua has work to do first.
He told Sky Sports: "There are going to be people who aren't people and people who are happy but we have to remember that he needs to be developed.
"We can't just put him in there against anybody top level but he's not far from the top level right now, because when you look at the landscape of heavyweight fighters, there aren't that many people around.
He needs to get a bit more experience before he gets in there with the top guys.
"He needs to get a bit more experience before he gets in there with the top guys.
"I think he's doing a good job. He's doing what needs to be done. The opponents that are put in front of him, he's knocking them out. He's not wasting any time and that's what people want to see."
Wilder makes the fourth defence of his title against Chris Arreola on Saturday - live on Sky Sports - and Lewis believes Joshua will have to earn his respect if and when he takes his bow Stateside.
Lewis said: "For me, I went over there and they booed me. It gave me the energy to go and win and when I won, I could hear a lot of cheers afterwards.
"It's really just turning the corner. There are a lot of people who are patriotic and believe all British fighters can't fight but I'm sure Joshua will show them that's not true and will prove to them there are great fighters in Britain.
"We have to remember Deontay Wilder started at 23 so his experience factor isn't a long time. He's learning as well and it really comes down to the teachers to make sure they have longevity.
"I think it'll be a good fight. I think Deontay will use his jab and long right hand [on Saturday night]. He should have no problem. Arreola is durable and will take him until he gets caught."
Watch Wilder v Arreola, Sammy Vasquez Jr v Felix Diaz, Giovanni De Carolis v Tyron Zeuge, Arthur Abraham v Tim-Robin Lihaug and more this Saturday live on Sky Sports 3 from 9pm
