Britain’s London 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Anthony Joshua, (13-0, 13ko) fights Scotland’s Gary Cornish for the Commonwealth heavyweight strap on Saturday night in London, and is one of the most highly touted young prospects in the whole of boxing at the minute.
Assuming that he is victorious in that fight as most expect, it sets up a December 12th, British title showdown with old amateur foe, Dillian Whyte, and the evidently naturally talented Joshua’s winning streak and pedigree has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of another former Olympian and heavyweight/cruiserweight world champion , Evander Holyfield – who is predicting big things ahead.
Holyfield, who controversially took the bronze at the 1984 games after being disqualified against New Zealand’s Kevin Barry, as well as going on to heavyweight and cruiserweight world titles, has said he is currently being blown away by the young Brit, whom he reckons should aim for the top of the sport asap.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter. I got a chance to see him in the Olympics. He is a graceful big man,” Holyfield said to Sky Sports.
“Anthony has great skills. He has the talent. He has the size and he just has to step up. You have to take the chance to be champion. If you never take the chance, you’ll never get the chance to be champ.”
Joshua has recently stated his desire to reach to the upper echelons of the sport, alongside his belief that next year he will be able to earn a title shot at Klitschko, before the long dominant Ukrainian decides to hang them up.
“I think you have to shoot for Klitschko, you have to shoot for one of the guys who is a champion. The only way to be a champion is to beat a champion. That’s the risk you have to take,” Holyfield added.
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