Joshua: Audley Harrison backs Anthony Joshua to add world title to Olympic gold
Wednesday 6 April 2016 09:25, UK
Audley Harrison is backing Anthony Joshua to do what he couldn't and add a world heavyweight title to Olympic gold.
'A-Force' won the super-heavyweight Olympic gold in Sydney 2000 only to fall short in his attempt to win the WBA title against champion David Haye in 2010.
Joshua challenges for Charles Martin's IBF title, on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Harrison believes the 26-year-old will clinch the belt, despite initially thinking a title tilt was coming "too early" for Joshua.
"He's obviously going down the same road I was treading and he's getting there," Harrison told Sky Sports. "But each man has his own light to shine and this is AJ's time.
"My time came and went. For whatever reason I didn't get that world title and it is just one of those things and I am not one to cry over spilled milk, as they say.
"This is AJ's time and he has a great opportunity to get to the end of that road."
Harrison believes that adding the world title to Olympic success will eclipse the feat of that achieved by world heavyweight No 1, Tyson Fury.
He is more than happy to give the WBA Super and WBO title holder "credit and respect" for beating Wladimir Klitschko last November, but expects the nation to see Joshua as their No 1 if he comes through against Martin.
Harrison added: "Even though my Olympic title was down in Australia a lot of people from our country were staying up into the middle of the night to see what was happening.
"People are talking about things like Tyson Fury taking the belts off [Wladimir] Kitschko, but even that doesn't have the same impact as what Joshua winning will.
"It is the culmination of the journey of his validation winning the world title. But that is just the first step that he can take. That's why I am right behind him; it's such a powerful moment."
Harrison is based in America and sparred with Martin before retiring from boxing almost a year ago.
He also revealed that he has spoken with Joshua before and after the British star struck gold in London 2012, and does not expect the IBF title to return to America.
"Charles Martin is coming with the belt and although I did think this fight was made too early from him, it is such a good opportunity for him and his team, they couldn't turn it down," said Harrison.
Behind the Ropes: Charles Martin
"Anthony Joshua will become the IBF heavyweight champion of the world. I just think all the cards are in all in his favour.
"Charles Martin is coming to defend his world title but Joshua has the strength, fitness and power and he will get all over him as soon as he can.
"I think it will be stopped in the middle rounds. The referee might step in or his corner might stop it because Charles is being too brave for his own good."
Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua, live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Order the event online.
