Anthony Joshua has shared his thoughts on his rivals and potential future opponents following his victory over Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua’s decision victory in Saudi Arabia on Saturday 7 December saw the British superstar regain his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles after losing them to Ruiz Jr earlier in the year.
Kubrat Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk
Following the triumph, speculation has already turned to who Joshua will fight next. With opponents, venues and dates all already being discussed, AJ has opened up about his boxing counterparts.
The two-time heavyweight champion’s most likely next opponents are IBF and WBO mandatory challengers Kubrat Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking of Usyk (Sky Sports), AJ said: “He’s from a great school of boxing, the sweet science of boxing, about hitting and not getting hit. I study Usyk so know his weaknesses and his strengths, that’s a competition I’m looking forward to.”
The WBO recently announced that the Brit has 180 days to announce a title defence against the Ukrainian, who is undefeated in his last seventeen fights.
When asked about the WBO order, Joshua calmly replied: “In 180 days? Let’s rock and roll mate.”
“No problem.”
The Londoner’s other contender is Kubrat Pulev, the two-time European heavyweight champion who has been the IBF’s mandatory contender for two years.
AJ said of the Bulgarian: “He comes from a great background of amateur boxing and comes from a boxing family, his brother boxes as well. He’s soon to be one of my mandatory challengers.”
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury
The most desirable move for Joshua is to now look to become the unified heavyweight champion by claiming the WBC belt, currently held by Deontay Wilder.
Wilder is set to face Tyson Fury in a title defence in 2020, and it’s inevitable that AJ will go after whoever comes out with the title.
The three have long been engaged in something of a rivalry-triangle, dishing out strong statements and call-outs between themselves. But this time Joshua has remained humble, giving his honest take on the boxing talents of his rivals.
Offering his thoughts on the current WBC titleholder, Joshua said: “He’s very talented, they brought him up wisely and let him gain a lot of experience which I think every fighter needs.”
“Once you cross over to world championship level, there’s no coming back.”
“Even though it’s taken Wilder more fights than myself, when he’s crossed over he’s never looked back.”
“His success and his route to success has worked out perfectly for him, congratulations to him and his team.”
Should Wilder lose the title to Fury, then it will surely be the Gypsy King that the Watford-born fighter goes up against. There was a show of respect for Fury’s talent from his fellow Englishman:
“He takes inspiration from Muhammad Ali. He talks a good game, fights a good game, he’s a talented heavyweight boxer.”
Dillian Whyte
Another opponent being discussed is Dillian Whyte. The former interim WBC heavyweight champion has recently been cleared by UK Anti-Doping following allegations of a failed drug test.
Joshua said:“Dillian’s done well and he’s cleared his name of any allegations and issues he’s had. He’s a warhorse, Brixton-mafia, strong, ready, and I’m ready to get it on again.”
While AJ’s next fight will almost certainly be a title defence agaisnt Usyk or Pulev, the names currently in the hat for his future fights mean the champion could be in for a massive year of PPV fights in 2020.
(Featured image: Twitter/ Sporf and ESPN)