Joshua vs Takam: Former opponent Kevin Johnson reveals raw punching power of Anthony Joshua
Friday 27 October 2017 12:48, UK
Ahead of Anthony Joshua's world title fight with Carlos Takam, former opponent Kevin Johnson has revealed the "raw" power of the British champion.
The WBA 'super' and IBF champion defends his titles against Takam this Saturday night at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
But in May 2015, Joshua was still sharpening his skills before targeting a world title, and continued his professional education by taking on the seasoned 'Kingpin' Johnson at The O2.
The American went the distance with Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko in points defeats, but Joshua pounded out his 13th stoppage victory in two rounds, and Johnson offers insight into the brutal experience of facing 'AJ'.
What are Joshua's strengths?
Right now he's dedicated to his craft, to the gym, so that makes him great right now. His hunger and dedication, that makes him great. He is dedicating himself all the way around the board.
I can't say what his strengths are, I can say what his weaknesses are. Right now, he's right on point.
Is Joshua the full package?
He can box, he can rumble, he can move, he's got speed, he's got agility, eye co-ordination - I mean, he's got it all.
How highly do you rate him?
He knocked out Wladimir, where would you rank him now? He's up there. He's at the top of the sport, you can't take anything from him.
Can you compare the power of AJ and Vitali?
Totally different. It's raw. His [Joshua] power is magnetic, energetic, it's youth, it's a different type of power.
Does Joshua pose a different threat than Fury?
Totally different. Fury is very long, very long, and that's one of his biggest strengths. When he uses it and he wants to move, slip and slide, you are not going to touch him.
Running in, you're just going to run into something. Look what he did to Wladimir. He made Wladimir an amateur. He's so long and he's got so much movement, what can you do?
Look what he did to Wladimir. He made Wladimir an amateur. He's so long and he's got so much movement, what can you do?
Who wins between Joshua and Fury?
A fight like that, I couldn't even bet on that fight, because you're talking about it the same way as Wladimir and Joshua. They are both good, so you can't pick a side, you can't get one great strength and one great weakness.
Can Takam withstand AJ's punches?
I see Joshua stopping him within two. Why I know that is because you've got to look at who is fighting.
He is dedicated all around the board, 24/7. He eats, breathes and sleeps it. That's what he's doing.
It's going to take somebody with a good level of skill to stop him. Someone that is dedicating themselves the same way I am, and the same way he is.
Will you be watching?
I'll be ringside for the Joshua fight. I'm definitely coming back to the UK. I love London and have received love and support for the last six, seven years. I'm a big UK fan. Trust me, I'm US-based, but I'm loving the UK.
