Joshua vs Takam: Anthony Joshua should come to America, says Paulie Malignaggi
Wednesday 25 October 2017 22:42, UK
Anthony Joshua should fight in America before taking on fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, says Paulie Malignaggi.
The British superstar defends his IBF and WBA 'Super' titles against Carlos Takam in the Principality Stadium on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, with his transatlantic rival's WBC strap on the line against Bermane Stiverne a week later, live on Sky Sports.
Joshua has already established his aim is to unify the blue riband division and although Wilder has said the same and with both champions in against replacement challengers, they are on similar ground.
American fight fans are in tune to Joshua because they know what he's done, especially to Klitschko, and there is nothing not to like about him.
'Bronze Bomber' believes the Brit needs to box across the Atlantic if he wants to raise his "global" profile and compatriot Malignaggi, who won world title fights in the United Kingdom and Ukraine, as well as on his home soil, would also like to see Joshua fight in the USA.
"America knows enough about Anthony Joshua but it would be good if they knew a little more about him," he told Sky Sports.
"The big key would be Joshua getting one fight in New York say, before taking on Wilder.
"American fight fans are in tune to Joshua because they know what he's done, especially to Klitschko, and there is nothing not to like about him.
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"There was already some talk the Pulev fight was going to happen in Las Vegas, so there have always been rumours about Joshua coming over here and I am very sure he will come over here in the next 12 months."
Wilder was ringside to see Joshua's sensational 11th-round win over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium and although he would be happy to come to these shores for the unification fight, he would rather it took place in America.
Wilder will make his sixth world title defence on November 4, a rematch with former WBC holder Stiverne, who stepped in following original challenger Luis Ortiz's failed drugs test.
But with Joshua taking the IBF title from America's Charles Martin and seeing off Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina, all eyes will be on Wilder, including Malignaggi.
"I do think Wilder can be a household name in America," he said.
"He is a good fighter and he has knockout power and has knockout potential which is what you need as a heavyweight.
"He's not the type to shy away from letting people know who he is and like Joshua, he has the sort of intriguing personality they need.
"They are not the same, they are both the sort of guys people do - and will - embrace over here (in America)."
