Anthony Joshua (Photo : Reuters)
There is a new name that has been sweeping boxing's world heavyweight division right now. He is Anthony Joshua.
The 25-year-old Briton just became a professional prizefighter in October 2013, but already floored 13 straight opponents inside three rounds since then. His longest fight was his eighth, lasting at 1:16 of the third round in a match with Germany's Konstantin Airich in Manchester, England.
As an amateur, he won the gold medal of the Super Heavyweight division during the 2012 London Olympics.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Joshua's last fight was a second round knockout victory over the notoriously durable Kevin Johnson, wherein he successfully defended his WBC International Heavyweight title on May 30. Johnson called him "a media hype job" prior to their match as reported by Wil Esco of SB Nation's Bad Left Hook. But that didn't intimidate the young man from doing what he does best: knocking out people.
Meanwhile, reigning World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko told Boxing News 24's Scott Gilfoid that Joshua is "the future of the heavyweight division." Klitschko said that he had never seen a heavyweight fighter as fast, as big, and as athletic as the England native, and added that if Joshua continued to progress then "the future belongs to him."
Klitschko gave this comment after the Ukrainian brawler went through a sparring session with Joshua and was allegedly "impressed" with what the latter had shown.
Meanwhile, Joshua is reportedly keen on keeping his feet on the ground and not let the praises get inside his head. In a video interview with SkySports, he said that there is more to him than the first 13 victories that the fans have seen. When it comes to his fighting style and ability, he is still raw and there is a lot to improve.
When asked who he want to fight next, he unblinkingly answered Tyson Fury. He believes that a match with his fellow Englishman is something that fight fans would enjoy so much.
