Nelson and Smith believe Chisora could be the perfect bout
Friday 21 November 2014 11:48, UK
If Michael Sprott can't cause Anthony Joshua any problems on November 22, we asked The Panel who they want the Olympic gold medallist to fight.
Jim Watt: None whatsoever. How can he possibly do anything to worry Joshua? Michael has been a credit to the sport but now you can understand he is happy picking up the money, I hope. He has sparred with plenty of big names and he is good test in that environment, but against this lad when he is out to put a show on? I'm afraid not. You don't want him - or anyone else - to get ahead of himself. Kevin Johnson is a decent one next because Joshua does not want to go in with a big puncher who is wanting to throw bombs because that would chuck him right in the deep end. He needs to make his way to the deep end and someone like Johnson would be perfect because he will give him something different and he's a big name.
Jamie Moore: I can only see Michael getting blown away like the rest. It is absolutely no reflection on Sprott's talent but Anthony Joshua is on a different level to every heavyweight in this country, at the moment. He is the best in Britain and I can only see a painful outcome - maybe in two or three rounds. That Johnson is a great match. He's got a lot of experience, he's been around the block a few times and he knows how to look after himself defensively. I think he will cause AJ a few problems that he will have to work out and they're the sort of fights you want to put the up-and-coming fighters into. You want to give them problems; obviously not too many big ones, but enough he has to work them out and then come through it. My dream British fight would have to be Tyson Fury or Dereck Chisora, who fight each other on November 29. I know the winner of that will get a crack at the world title, but the loser might not be a bad one for Joshua. Imagine the hype between Fury and AJ? That would be massive.
Johnny Nelson: I know there is a lot to be said about all the sparring Michael does and how he spars with the best in the world, but it is a different world when you get in that ring. Sparring and fighting is completely different. On top of that we saw Joshua's spite last time out. I was honestly a bit worried that he was too nice, too approachable, a bit like dear old Frank Bruno. But that is not the case, that's for sure. I think we all like to play matchmaker for Joshua and domestically, he could go in with anyone right now. Domestically at least. I would put Dereck Chisora at the top of that list - and he will beat him. Chisora is made for Joshua. He will test him and he is a bigger unit than Sprott, and he is busier and physically imposing.
Paul Smith: He proably can't. If anyone could it would be Michael Sprott but that is a big, big 'could'. I think we have to be honest here and say that Sprott would've given him real trouble a few years ago but not anymore. I've said time and again... the hardest job in the world is being Anthony Joshua's matchmaker! You talk about Johnson, Tony Thompson and David Price. David's there himself, so is Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora, but every normal heavyweight out there is suddenly deemed not good enough to face Joshua - and rightly so! Where do you put him? Do you put him straight in with someone like Chisora? Maybe if Dereck Chisora comes through against Tyson Fury, then yes. That said I don't think he will. If he loses closely, maybe on points, to Fury then that might be an ideal match-up. It's a good step up and although he is not a big puncher, he is very strong and he will ask a few questions about Joshua's fitness as well. I'd like to see that.
Glenn McCrory: I can only see Joshua getting rid of old Sprotty fairly quickly. He is on the up and I am not sure this is a test - or at least the sort of test he needs right now. Had it been five years ago it would've been great but not anymore I am afraid. The only fight want to see is Joshua against David Price. I want to see that as soon as possible, especially as we are in Liverpool this weekend. Price has the physical size and if you want to see him tested properly, this is the first port of call. Price has been beaten and exposed by Tony Thompson but this is a guy that can punch, who is explosive and who is also bigger than him. That is the fight I think should be made. I know Price would take it, sooner rather than later, so I would love to see Matchroom and Sauerland do a deal.
Watch Joshua v Sprott live and exclusive as part of Cleverly v Bellew II, on Sky Sports Box Office on November 22, with Groves, DeGale, Quigg and more, also on. Go to skysports.com/cleverlybellew to book.
