The Anthony Joshua thread

[shaz619]

Yes was there ever a chap who wasn't scared of facing Tyson in the ring.

If I can recall in that he was cut up very bad which is why the fight was stopped? He came on 'This is your Life' for Ali too and you could see both men have a great amount of respect for each other.

It's depressing to think there was so many great heavyweights throughout history until recently where fighters like Joshua are seen as superhuman by the now casual, hyped up fans who have no clue. Most of those who went to Cardiff have no clue about boxing at all, it's now marketed as a 'night out' event.

The only guy who wasn't, I'd say it was Douglas inspired by the death of his mother he fought like a lion that was willing to leave it all on the line that night, yes Tyson had a bad camp , lost Rooney and had Don King spearheading his career, there was a slow count at one point to but Douglas deserves more credit then any other Tyson conqueror.

Just reading about the incident, it occurred towards the end of Round 4; Ali was a caught with a big left hook and would have gone down but the ropes saved him and then the bell, then between Round 4-5 there was interval where dundee waved to referee and showed Ali's right glove which had apparently split down a seam revealing horsehair stuffing, they had to get him a new pair of gloves and that bought Ali vital time. Then in the 5th Ali was a lot more aggressive and the fight was stopped due to cuts, in the post fight interview Ali showed Cooper a lot of respect and said that he's the toughest bloke he ever fought, soon after Cooper returned to the UK as a bit of a legend

That's what it is, a night out; am not sure how long they can continue to do it especially if the fights don't deliver so Hearn will need to put him in with Wilder soon hopefully. The lounge I watched it at was full of casuals, they were very disappointing with the fight or mostly silence throughout; were on their feet for Price / Povetkn

 

[IMMY69]

Casual fans bit coming out again!! It’s like playground bullying.

Bruno was a big tall body builder who built his career through popularity and mainly fighting bums. He had little stamina largely due to his physique and had a glass chin.

Anyone here who says otherwise is the real casual.

This isn’t even up for debate.

 

[shaz619]

It's incredible really, absolutely incredible; how we are putting a guy who was out boxing Lennox frigging Lewis for 6.5 rounds and beat an elite HW in the top 10 in Mcall who'd go on to stop Lewis on the same level as Anthony Joshua, someone who is still active as a HW, has a got long way to go and currently just boasts wins over a faded Wlad and Joseph Parker. It shocks me really, it's not as if AJ passes the eye test to the extent where he is dominating fighters like Lomachenko a guy who even I am not quick to put in the top 2 or 3 P4P until he defeats Garcia or Linares but the skill and ring generalship are all there. But oh my word, I initially read your 'imo' as 'lmao' that would be more fitting. There is no comparison between Bruno and AJ at the moment apart from that of popularity however Frank was genuinely a likeable guy and easily more superior technically and in terms of accomplishments.

It was simply amazing Bruno finally managed to win the world title just one fight before his career ended, thoroughly deserved. Many must have had Mcall as the winner within the distance but Frank showed a lot heart to take the belt with a UD after a grueling 12 rounds. For those who haven't seen this fight, it's a great watch and arguably one of the great sporting performances of the 90's.

If you look at Franks loses all 5, James 'Bonecrusher' Smith, Tim Witherspoon, Iron Mike, Lennox Lewis and then Iron Mike again! These are some seriously tough and brilliant heavyweights. Csn anyone say with a straight face Joshua would win the titile off any of these guys when Frank fought them? I believe he would have been knocked out by all of them. Bruno managed over 10 rounds against Smith and Witherspoon and 7 v Lewis.

Bruno: Better speed, better chin, more power, better on the inside, always goes to the body, more punch variety, decent feet, a mean left hook and a looping right. I'd say AJ's defence is better , that's about it; both are a little flat footed so there is not a lot to separate the two when it comes to feet but you'd be nuts to bet on AJ against Bruno, obviously AJ could still improve but I don't believe he has a high ceiling at this stage.

I was just watching the fight highlights again, one of the greatest moments ever in british boxing:

He got beat by ATG's, and when he fought Lewis in that moment it was his prime long before he became undisputed champion because he relied more on speed and movement / explosiveness and Bruno had his moments before the stoppage, unfortunately his defence would improve later but early on it wasn't the best. However, no shame losing to those names. The division was very competitive in those days and to win that title was a huge achievement in itself, Cooper is brilliant but he didn't win during the golden age.

Casuals fangirls have no retort for any of these points, they prefer the plastic gangster of London because he took some pictures with them and beat Parker and an old man Only a casual would prefer AJ over Bruno.

 

[shaz619]

Bums which Bruno fought:

Lennox Lewis
Oliver Mcall
Mike Tyson

Legends which Plastic Gangster fought:

Prince Charles Martin
Kevin Obese Johnson
Midget Samoan
Midget Frenchman
Dilian Injured Whyte
Oldmir Klitchko


[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION]

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Bums which Bruno fought:

Lennox Lewis
Oliver Mcall
Mike Tyson

Legends which Plastic Gangster fought:

Prince Charles Martin
Kevin Obese Johnson
Midget Samoan
Midget Frenchman
Dilian Injured Whyte
Oldmir Klitchko


[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION]

Bruno fought some of those "bums" in America which AJ is not prepared to do.

Not going to pay for anymore AJ fights unless it's someone decent. Matchroom is making a mug out of us all.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Casual fans bit coming out again!! It’s like playground bullying.

Bruno was a big tall body builder who built his career through popularity and mainly fighting bums. He had little stamina largely due to his physique and had a glass chin.

Anyone here who says otherwise is the real casual.

This isn’t even up for debate.

Bruno had a glass chin eh.... how many fights Bruno went flat on his back on the canvas with one punch?

Lewis got done twice.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

[MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION] nowhere to be seen in this thread )

 

[Aman]

[MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION] nowhere to be seen in this thread )

I was happy with his performance, he could have pressed more but I'm glad he didn't get knocked out and showed strong defence. He rocked Joshua a couple of times as well while Joshua missed all night. If he was more active and captailized when he rocked Joshua, he could have won. Which is more than I expected with all the hype behind Joshua. Goes to show Parker is capable and can make it to the top. He just needs a new trainer to make it to that next level.

 

[Aman]

Both AJ and Hearn got real angry when Wilder's name was mentioned in the post fight interview, they tried their best to deflect. It is clear they have no interest fighting him, funny how they had no issue calling out a Fury who is not even active or match fit

Wilder is going to kill Joshua. Man was rocked several times by Parker and landed nothing all night. Wilder has a solid chin and more power. If Wilder connects, it's lights out for AJ. His chin is definitely sus.

Parker's stock went up after this fight, while Joshua's went down. Have a lot more respect for Parker now, he's shown he can go with the top boxers.

 

[Aman]

Other then one or two rounds when JP landed with one or two punches it was completely one sided.
AJ didn’t get sucked into a war and showed his boxing smarts and easily won the fight behind his jab.

Boxing casuals like Shaz619 will learn in time.

Parker didn't do enough and Joshua made use of his reach advantage and was more active, but it was Parker who landed the more devestating blows. Joshua was missing all night and never hurt Parker.

Parker isn't known for his power, the fact he was rocked that many times just tells me his chin is sus. Wilder just needs to land one decent hit to knock him out.

 

[gkb101277867]

Casual fans bit coming out again!! It’s like playground bullying.

Bruno was a big tall body builder who built his career through popularity and mainly fighting bums. He had little stamina largely due to his physique and had a glass chin.

Anyone here who says otherwise is the real casual.

This isn’t even up for debate.

Mate ignore that shaz dude. His AJ hate is pathetic and I hope he gets over it. What more can AJ do? He could potentially be undisputed champ in his next fight and will only have had 22 fights and that's just incredible.

Haters are so pathetic. Amir khan is close to the hall of fame for this guy but AJ isn't? Don't make me laugh. Bruno is not on the same level as AJ and this dude also said Shannon Briggs is better. He contradicts himself all the time and his hate clouds his judgement.

Ignore him bro. I don't waste my time with him anymore

 

[Robert]

Just reading about the incident, it occurred towards the end of Round 4; Ali was a caught with a big left hook and would have gone down but the ropes saved him and then the bell, then between Round 4-5 there was interval where dundee waved to referee and showed Ali's right glove which had apparently split down a seam revealing horsehair stuffing, they had to get him a new pair of gloves and that bought Ali vital time. Then in the 5th Ali was a lot more aggressive and the fight was stopped due to cuts, in the post fight interview Ali showed Cooper a lot of respect and said that he's the toughest bloke he ever fought, soon after Cooper returned to the UK as a bit of a legend

I saw them together on TV years later. There was deep respect between them. I think Our ‘Enry would have won but for shenanigans with the glove that supposedly “split down the seam” - buying Ali time for his head to clear.

 

[shaz619]

Just read post from a blocked fool while logged out, any critcism and you become a hater if people are willing to objectively discuss the technical aspects of boxing feel free to do so instead of resorting to low grade garbage like imbecilles. Firstly it was suggested that Parker does not compare to Briggs not AJ, but now that he is being compared to AJ he is a lot more sound given his superior lateral movement and elasticity; he casued Lennox many problems during a very action packed fight and beat Foreman after he had regained the lineal title. And no he doesn't match up to Bruno either, he has a better defence that's about it, Bruno had a left hook, could work on the inside, a better chin / speed and power ; he is also more proven given his resume and opponent quality ; the fact that people are wiling to deem AJ whos career is not even over yet better is just ignorance and blind adulation of the highest order.

And becoming undisputed champ is not the only criteria to get in to the HOF, especially in era's where the division is weak. If it was the only metric Wladmir would have been inducted 10 years ago, this is why winning a lineal championship is more important than becoming 'undisputed' is valued more and reigning for a lengthy period, last I checked AJ has not won the lineal title and hasn't been champ for as long as Wladmir was.

Gatti never became undisputed champion and hss 6 losses but he was still inducted into the HOF for putting on action packed fights in a very deep division, likewise there has never been a Khan fight where you never got your money's worth, he travelled away from the UK fought majority of the best between 140-147 lost some fights and won some to, so he's a lot closer to a HOF induction then someone who boasts wins over an Old Wlad and Parker whilst putting on displays against Takam / Parker upsetting many of his casual fans as well

 

[shaz619]

I saw them together on TV years later. There was deep respect between them. I think Our ‘Enry would have won but for shenanigans with the glove that supposedly “split down the seam” - buying Ali time for his head to clear.

Maybe he would have but Ali had such a tremendous chin and recovery powers, but Henry packed such a punch when he caught you clean

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION] nowhere to be seen in this thread )

) ) I forgot about him, he had been silent all this time because [MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION] was secretly hoping / certain of a Parker win, he was playing it cool waiting to unleash, just turns out these bare bum Kiwis just choke in a KO situation as usual

 

[Aman]

) ) I forgot about him, he had been silent all this time because [MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION] was secretly hoping / certain of a Parker win, he was playing it cool waiting to unleash, just turns out these bare bum Kiwis just choke in a KO situation as usual

Nah, I don't think he fought to win for whatever reason. He was fine losing on points rather than going for it in the last 3 rounds. He must have known there was zero way he was getting a decision in the UK with close rounds.

The funny thing is it was Parker who rocked Joshua multiple times this fight. He didn't take advantage of it.

 

[IMMY69]

Mate ignore that shaz dude. His AJ hate is pathetic and I hope he gets over it. What more can AJ do? He could potentially be undisputed champ in his next fight and will only have had 22 fights and that's just incredible.

Haters are so pathetic. Amir khan is close to the hall of fame for this guy but AJ isn't? Don't make me laugh. Bruno is not on the same level as AJ and this dude also said Shannon Briggs is better. He contradicts himself all the time and his hate clouds his judgement.

Ignore him bro. I don't waste my time with him anymore

I think I will take your advice.
Anyone who thinks Bruno didnt have a glass chin and was quick and a superior boxer doesnt know what he is talking about.

I watched every single Bruno fight on BBC growing up in the 80's and the guy was knocking out bums for fun until he came up against Bonecrusher Smith who was fighting the for the first time in the UK.
He was winning on points until he ran out of gas and got knocked out.
He fought some more bums and and won which got him another shot at the title against an unfit and old larry holmes who also floored him.

It took him several attempts to win the world title and that too against McCall who he won on points after just about managing to hang on in the closing rounds.

Here are his flights outside of the UK,

09/07/83 vs Mike Jameson – Chicago – Won, knockout in round 2
27/06/87 vs Chuck Gardner (USA) – Cannes – Won, knockout in round 1
30/08/87 vs Reggie Cross (USA) – Marbella – Won, ref stopped fight in round 8
25/02/89 vs Mike Tyson (USA) – Las Vegas – Lost, ref stopped fight in round 5
6/03/96 vs Mike Tyson (USA) – Las Vegas – Lost, ref stopped fight in round 3

So out of 40 fights he fought just three times in the USA. He beat a bum in 1983 and lost twice to Tyson in the other two.

Bruno won everyone's hearts and he was loved and for this reason and the fact that he finally managed to win a title and being the first proper British fighter to win it in decades makes him a British Hall of Famer.

 

[Robert]

Maybe he would have but Ali had such a tremendous chin and recovery powers, but Henry packed such a punch when he caught you clean

Yeah, it was a fight between the Young Prince and the Elder Statesman who was on the way out but still had a few good swipes left in him.

 

[WC-Passion]

I haven’t seen any of there press conferences or interviews afterwards, just the initial ringside interviews straight after the fight...

The referee was absolutely awful and everyone working for Sky agreed.
Was it advantageous for AJ? No sure because AJ was working well on the inside with his uppercuts.
If it was fixed that way, as someone is alluding too, again not sure if that works for AJ. AJ couldn’t use his extra height and weight to lean on JP...

Bottom line is that bad ref or not AJ was better on the night and I prefer to take JP’s immediate reaction then from an interview done later, after consultation with his manager.

Hmm maybe, but it was clear that Parker's strength was to get body shots inside, yet the referee
constantly stopped them getting close enough for him to get anything off that had much impact on AJ.

They are avoiding it for now....think about this, Wilder knocks out AJ and his stock plummets and then the Fury fight would be worth a lot less. The sport is a business in the modern era. Hearn is hardly prophet jesus sent from the heavens preaching the gospel truth, he does promote AJ. Now AJ may well be interested in Wilder or he may not be; but I don't believe for a second Hearn is in the near future. He is more keen on Whyte / Wilder

True, but will the Fury fight happen before the Wilder fight? I don't see it panning out like that.

 

[shaz619]

I think I will take your advice.
Anyone who thinks Bruno didnt have a glass chin and was quick and a superior boxer doesnt know what he is talking about.

I watched every single Bruno fight on BBC growing up in the 80's and the guy was knocking out bums for fun until he came up against Bonecrusher Smith who was fighting the for the first time in the UK.
He was winning on points until he ran out of gas and got knocked out.
He fought some more bums and and won which got him another shot at the title against an unfit and old larry holmes who also floored him.

It took him several attempts to win the world title and that too against McCall who he won on points after just about managing to hang on in the closing rounds.

Here are his flights outside of the UK,

09/07/83 vs Mike Jameson – Chicago – Won, knockout in round 2
27/06/87 vs Chuck Gardner (USA) – Cannes – Won, knockout in round 1
30/08/87 vs Reggie Cross (USA) – Marbella – Won, ref stopped fight in round 8
25/02/89 vs Mike Tyson (USA) – Las Vegas – Lost, ref stopped fight in round 5
6/03/96 vs Mike Tyson (USA) – Las Vegas – Lost, ref stopped fight in round 3

So out of 40 fights he fought just three times in the USA. He beat a bum in 1983 and lost twice to Tyson in the other two.

Bruno won everyone's hearts and he was loved and for this reason and the fact that he finally managed to win a title and being the first proper British fighter to win it in decades makes him a British Hall of Famer.

He has a glass chin because he got KO'd by some of the most ferocious punchers in HW boxing history lets just discuss boxing. Now I may not like Joshua but we're talking boxing here and I respect every fighter who steps in the ring and he is the no.1 HW based on his current resume, so if people have a problem with the criticism of his holiness that does not mean it's personal, I don't have to like him though and I get that he is from your area so you are bound to be a big fan of AJ.

Your argument as it stands is that Anthony Joshua is the better boxer then Frank Bruno and has achieved more. Lets break both fighters down. But immediately the problem we have instantly is that Joshua is still active as a boxer so the comment as it stands is premature to begin with.

Anthony Joshua

He has won all his 21 fights and holds 3 world title belts.

His most notable fights include a scrap win over Dilian Whyte who had an injured shoulder, he had life / death with a Wladmir Klitchko who was over 41 years old and inactive for 2 years and just beat a Joseph Parker who arguably was defeated by Ruiz Jnr / Hughie (they were victories but he hardly looked impressive) ; furthermore Parker gave away a 6 inch reach.

AJ had originally beaten Charles Martin for the IBF world title which was strangely stripped of Tyson Fury the moment he beat Wladmir Klitchko. Martin had won a vacant belt and boasted zero names worth mentioning on his resume and is now a figure of great ridicule.

Anyhow the wins over Parker and Wladmir deserve respect. I think that it's not respectful to call any fighter a bum but outside those two wins AJ has fought Journeyman, I'd give him more credit for the Whyte win if he was 100% fit. It's also worth pointing out the division in the current era is not exactly the strongest although moving forward there are some positive signs. Up until now AJ has also remained in his comfort zone of London, fighting away is a challenge in itself and it's not just about opposition quality; you are in a foreign territory, you will need to do more to capture the judges attention, the crowd is against you, the ref could be against you and you wont be able to impose your influence as much compared to home conditions.

Technically speaking AJ is sound in that he has a great defence and jab but his footwork is poor and he moves in straight lines, his size is obviously an advantage and he uses it to overwhelm smaller opponents. However he lacks punch variety and is one dimensional / very orthodox, he doesn't feint or set traps, he doesn't have a left hook and he barely goes to the body, and when you walk in straight lines you're a big target for someone who can match you physically.

Frank Bruno

In 45 fights he boasts 40 victories and a world championship to his name in a very tough era of HW boxing which had depth. His best wins include Oliver Mcall (82 inch reach, 6ft 2) a guy who would go on to beat the greatest HW of that era in Lennox Lewis and a Hall of Famer in Holmes,

James Tills (the first to go the distance with Mike Tyson during his prime) he could move very laterally in the ring and was great at slipping in and out to set up his counters, he had a reach of 80 inches and stood at 6 ft 1.

In addition, he fought 5 times outside of the UK like you say and that deserves credit in itself, he fought Mike Jameson when he was still gaining some experience at the pro level and it was great to see a British prospect test himself in away conditions, then he beat the likes of Gardner and Cross; yes these were journeyman but he still fought away from home and it's never easy, but even journeyman from that era could be legit contenders right now, Cross beat Bert Cooper and Clark when he was meant to be another stepping stone. Then he lost to a legend of the sport in Mike Tyson twice, nothing to be ashamed off.

Bruno's best wins are McCall and Tillis, both these fighters have the tools to beat AJ and are better wins then Wladmir / Parker.
Bruno lost 5 times and when you fight in the era he did it's hardly surprising, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, James Smith and Tim Witherspoon would all beat AJ.

Most are familiar with Tyson / Lewis so they need not be explained, but Smith was a big puncher who would go on to beat the highly skilled Witherspoon in just 1 round to claim the WBA HW title. Witherspoonon a 2 time world champion with wins over Smith and Page stood at 6 ft 3 with reach of 78 inches on the other hand and had a very high in-ring IQ, he was a great all round fighter, good power / speed / movement and in-ring intelligence, he was a very good pressure fighter who wasn't easy to dissect because of that cross-arm guard which was used to set up most of his offence, the sparring sessions with Ali and Larry Holmes really helped his development

And speaking Bruno's individual skill, he not only had a great jab and right hand but unlike AJ he had a left hook as well and worked the body, the Smith fight came early for Bruno but he did learn a lot from him stylistically and would later use his looping right hand so the punch variety is there, he was also a lot more powerful with 38 stoppages from 40 fight and in those days you had earn your KO's, you pointed out that he has a weak chin that is a myth, even more so when it is based on him getting knocked out by ATG punchers like Mike Tyson and Lewis with Smith / Tim being no mugs at all ; his biggest weakness was his poor defence and as I have said AJ's is better.

So we can easily say that Bruno overall is better technically and in terms of accomplishments, AJ has more belts but Bruno fought in a very tough HW era; the one time AJ fought someone who matched up to him physically he almost lost against Wladmir, he has hardly looked impressive against smaller fighters as well like Takam / Parker fighters who Bruno would destroy within 6 rounds. Bruno has fought the better opposition and fighters who matched up to him physically, there have been losses yes but all those fighters who beat him would run through AJ given their bigger tool set. The challenge for AJ will be to beat Wilder, reign for a long period and run through guys like Parker if he is as good as you are making him out to be.

 

[shaz619]

Hmm maybe, but it was clear that Parker's strength was to get body shots inside, yet the referee
constantly stopped them getting close enough for him to get anything off that had much impact on AJ.



True, but will the Fury fight happen before the Wilder fight? I don't see it panning out like that.

Eddie and AJ need to pick up the phone

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don’t be with that bulls*** <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieHearn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eddiehearn</a> pick up the phone Maine...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BombZquad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BombZquad</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rr4aewgKo4">pic.twitter.com/Rr4aewgKo4</a></p>— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) <a href="https://twitter.com/BronzeBomber/status/980273937769639936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 April 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shaz619]

Bruno fought some of those "bums" in America which AJ is not prepared to do.

Not going to pay for anymore AJ fights unless it's someone decent. Matchroom is making a mug out of us all.

There's talk of AJ facing Miller in the US that could happen but no way in hell would he face Wilder over there. Bruno had a lot of heart, he could have vacated his title / retired instead of facing Tyson but went out on his shield away from his comfort zone, massive respect.

Just go to a lounge or pub mate like me and [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] , that's where I usually watch boxing unless it's a fight in the US then I have to buy the event on boxnation and stay up until 4 or 5am but 9 times out of 10 the main event / under-card tend to deliver.

 

[IMMY69]

He has a glass chin because he got KO'd by some of the most ferocious punchers in HW boxing history lets just discuss boxing. Now I may not like Joshua but we're talking boxing here and I respect every fighter who steps in the ring and he is the no.1 HW based on his current resume, so if people have a problem with the criticism of his holiness that does not mean it's personal, I don't have to like him though and I get that he is from your area so you are bound to be a big fan of AJ.

Your argument as it stands is that Anthony Joshua is the better boxer then Frank Bruno and has achieved more. Lets break both fighters down. But immediately the problem we have instantly is that Joshua is still active as a boxer so the comment as it stands is premature to begin with.

Anthony Joshua

He has won all his 21 fights and holds 3 world title belts.

His most notable fights include a scrap win over Dilian Whyte who had an injured shoulder, he had life / death with a Wladmir Klitchko who was over 41 years old and inactive for 2 years and just beat a Joseph Parker who arguably was defeated by Ruiz Jnr / Hughie (they were victories but he hardly looked impressive) ; furthermore Parker gave away a 6 inch reach.

AJ had originally beaten Charles Martin for the IBF world title which was strangely stripped of Tyson Fury the moment he beat Wladmir Klitchko. Martin had won a vacant belt and boasted zero names worth mentioning on his resume and is now a figure of great ridicule.

Anyhow the wins over Parker and Wladmir deserve respect. I think that it's not respectful to call any fighter a bum but outside those two wins AJ has fought Journeyman, I'd give him more credit for the Whyte win if he was 100% fit. It's also worth pointing out the division in the current era is not exactly the strongest although moving forward there are some positive signs. Up until now AJ has also remained in his comfort zone of London, fighting away is a challenge in itself and it's not just about opposition quality; you are in a foreign territory, you will need to do more to capture the judges attention, the crowd is against you, the ref could be against you and you wont be able to impose your influence as much compared to home conditions.

Technically speaking AJ is sound in that he has a great defence and jab but his footwork is poor and he moves in straight lines, his size is obviously an advantage and he uses it to overwhelm smaller opponents. However he lacks punch variety and is one dimensional / very orthodox, he doesn't feint or set traps, he doesn't have a left hook and he barely goes to the body, and when you walk in straight lines you're a big target for someone who can match you physically.

Frank Bruno

In 45 fights he boasts 40 victories and a world championship to his name in a very tough era of HW boxing which had depth. His best wins include Oliver Mcall (82 inch reach, 6ft 2) a guy who would go on to beat the greatest HW of that era in Lennox Lewis and a Hall of Famer in Holmes,

James Tills (the first to go the distance with Mike Tyson during his prime) he could move very laterally in the ring and was great at slipping in and out to set up his counters, he had a reach of 80 inches and stood at 6 ft 1.

In addition, he fought 5 times outside of the UK like you say and that deserves credit in itself, he fought Mike Jameson when he was still gaining some experience at the pro level and it was great to see a British prospect test himself in away conditions, then he beat the likes of Gardner and Cross; yes these were journeyman but he still fought away from home and it's never easy, but even journeyman from that era could be legit contenders right now, Cross beat Bert Cooper and Clark when he was meant to be another stepping stone. Then he lost to a legend of the sport in Mike Tyson twice, nothing to be ashamed off.

Bruno's best wins are McCall and Tillis, both these fighters have the tools to beat AJ and are better wins then Wladmir / Parker.
Bruno lost 5 times and when you fight in the era he did it's hardly surprising, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, James Smith and Tim Witherspoon would all beat AJ.

Most are familiar with Tyson / Lewis so they need not be explained, but Smith was a big puncher who would go on to beat the highly skilled Witherspoon in just 1 round to claim the WBA HW title. Witherspoonon a 2 time world champion with wins over Smith and Page stood at 6 ft 3 with reach of 78 inches on the other hand and had a very high in-ring IQ, he was a great all round fighter, good power / speed / movement and in-ring intelligence, he was a very good pressure fighter who wasn't easy to dissect because of that cross-arm guard which was used to set up most of his offence, the sparring sessions with Ali and Larry Holmes really helped his development

And speaking Bruno's individual skill, he not only had a great jab and right hand but unlike AJ he had a left hook as well and worked the body, the Smith fight came early for Bruno but he did learn a lot from him stylistically and would later use his looping right hand so the punch variety is there, he was also a lot more powerful with 38 stoppages from 40 fight and in those days you had earn your KO's, you pointed out that he has a weak chin that is a myth, even more so when it is based on him getting knocked out by ATG punchers like Mike Tyson and Lewis with Smith / Tim being no mugs at all ; his biggest weakness was his poor defence and as I have said AJ's is better.

So we can easily say that Bruno overall is better technically and in terms of accomplishments, AJ has more belts but Bruno fought in a very tough HW era; the one time AJ fought someone who matched up to him physically he almost lost against Wladmir, he has hardly looked impressive against smaller fighters as well like Takam / Parker fighters who Bruno would destroy within 6 rounds. Bruno has fought the better opposition and fighters who matched up to him physically, there have been losses yes but all those fighters who beat him would run through AJ given their bigger tool set. The challenge for AJ will be to beat Wilder, reign for a long period and run through guys like Parker if he is as good as you are making him out to be.

Mate just typing up stuff doesn't make it true.

Your putting down your views and calling others casuals which is extremely silly. There is no point in being disrespectful to others.

For the record, Tyson has just come out of jail when Bruno fought and finally won the world title against McCall. Don King had written it in the contract that the winner of the McCall Vs Bruno fight would have to fight Tyson in the states. So Bruno's hands were tied. It wasn't bravery that made him go to the states to make his first defense against Tyson it was a written contract.

Bruno had to wait three years for another title chance and took what was on offer and signed up to the title fight knowing very well that if we won he would have to defend it against Tyson in the states.

Everything else you've written are just your views based on absolutely nothing.
He fought thrice in the states beating a bum in his first fight and losing in the other two. The first one to Tyson who had just had his first public fight with his then wife, Robin Givens. He allegedly had a fight and drove away in a rage only to have a car crash. This was the point where his life started to take a different course. He fought Bruno after that.

The second Bruno Vs Tyson fight was only two fights after Tyson was released from Jail. As explained, Bruno was contractually bound to fight or else he would have lost his belt which took him 13 years and several attempts to earn. Tyson had two fights against journeymen and still blew Bruno away.

Bruno was like adonis. Powerful, big and cut to shreds. What let him down was that he was ponderous, lacked stamina (due to his physique) and, particularly in the later rounds, his chin was exposed.

I could go further and talk about the other fights but I suspect I'll just be wasting my time.

 

[shaz619]

Mate just typing up stuff doesn't make it true.

Your putting down your views and calling others casuals which is extremely silly. There is no point in being disrespectful to others.

For the record, Tyson has just come out of jail when Bruno fought and finally won the world title against McCall. Don King had written it in the contract that the winner of the McCall Vs Bruno fight would have to fight Tyson in the states. So Bruno's hands were tied. It wasn't bravery that made him go to the states to make his first defense against Tyson it was a written contract.

Bruno had to wait three years for another title chance and took what was on offer and signed up to the title fight knowing very well that if we won he would have to defend it against Tyson in the states.

Everything else you've written are just your views based on absolutely nothing.
He fought thrice in the states beating a bum in his first fight and losing in the other two. The first one to Tyson who had just had his first public fight with his then wife, Robin Givens. He allegedly had a fight and drove away in a rage only to have a car crash. This was the point where his life started to take a different course. He fought Bruno after that.

The second Bruno Vs Tyson fight was only two fights after Tyson was released from Jail. As explained, Bruno was contractually bound to fight or else he would have lost his belt which took him 13 years and several attempts to earn. Tyson had two fights against journeymen and still blew Bruno away.

Bruno was like adonis. Powerful, big and cut to shreds. What let him down was that he was ponderous, lacked stamina (due to his physique) and, particularly in the later rounds, his chin was exposed.

I could go further and talk about the other fights but I suspect I'll just be wasting my time.

Where have I called you a casual in that post and you have not even provided a retort for even one of the points instead of saying things like me just typing stuff doesn't make it true before taking the moral high ground acting like a victim as if you preach the gospel truth, what I have said is my opinion and I have backed it up to the best of my understanding when it comes to boxing. The entire debate has been orchestrated based on the assumption that Anthony Joshua is better then Frank Bruno, you have failed to explain why; we're not breaking down Bruno's career relative to his peers but the current era and Joshua.

I am very well aware of Bruno's contract which is why I said he could have retired or vacate the belt, it takes serious bravery to not only face Tyson once but twice. You have again displayed ignorance when it comes to fighting in away conditions or objectively judge his resume. Only a casual would call a boxer a bum, typical keyboard warrior.

Yep, you've wasted my time especially I thought you knew a thing or two about Boxing but you're just another casual it seems that thinks AJ is better then Bruno because he took a few pictures with you and said Hi to Joseph Parkers mommy

 

[shaz619]

He has a glass chin because he got KO'd by some of the most ferocious punchers in HW boxing history lets just discuss boxing. Now I may not like Joshua but we're talking boxing here and I respect every fighter who steps in the ring and he is the no.1 HW based on his current resume, so if people have a problem with the criticism of his holiness that does not mean it's personal, I don't have to like him though and I get that he is from your area so you are bound to be a big fan of AJ.

Your argument as it stands is that Anthony Joshua is the better boxer then Frank Bruno and has achieved more. Lets break both fighters down. But immediately the problem we have instantly is that Joshua is still active as a boxer so the comment as it stands is premature to begin with.

Anthony Joshua

He has won all his 21 fights and holds 3 world title belts.

His most notable fights include a scrap win over Dilian Whyte who had an injured shoulder, he had life / death with a Wladmir Klitchko who was over 41 years old and inactive for 2 years and just beat a Joseph Parker who arguably was defeated by Ruiz Jnr / Hughie (they were victories but he hardly looked impressive) ; furthermore Parker gave away a 6 inch reach.

AJ had originally beaten Charles Martin for the IBF world title which was strangely stripped of Tyson Fury the moment he beat Wladmir Klitchko. Martin had won a vacant belt and boasted zero names worth mentioning on his resume and is now a figure of great ridicule.

Anyhow the wins over Parker and Wladmir deserve respect. I think that it's not respectful to call any fighter a bum but outside those two wins AJ has fought Journeyman, I'd give him more credit for the Whyte win if he was 100% fit. It's also worth pointing out the division in the current era is not exactly the strongest although moving forward there are some positive signs. Up until now AJ has also remained in his comfort zone of London, fighting away is a challenge in itself and it's not just about opposition quality; you are in a foreign territory, you will need to do more to capture the judges attention, the crowd is against you, the ref could be against you and you wont be able to impose your influence as much compared to home conditions.

Technically speaking AJ is sound in that he has a great defence and jab but his footwork is poor and he moves in straight lines, his size is obviously an advantage and he uses it to overwhelm smaller opponents. However he lacks punch variety and is one dimensional / very orthodox, he doesn't feint or set traps, he doesn't have a left hook and he barely goes to the body, and when you walk in straight lines you're a big target for someone who can match you physically.

Frank Bruno

In 45 fights he boasts 40 victories and a world championship to his name in a very tough era of HW boxing which had depth. His best wins include Oliver Mcall (82 inch reach, 6ft 2) a guy who would go on to beat the greatest HW of that era in Lennox Lewis and a Hall of Famer in Holmes,

James Tills (the first to go the distance with Mike Tyson during his prime) he could move very laterally in the ring and was great at slipping in and out to set up his counters, he had a reach of 80 inches and stood at 6 ft 1.

In addition, he fought 5 times outside of the UK like you say and that deserves credit in itself, he fought Mike Jameson when he was still gaining some experience at the pro level and it was great to see a British prospect test himself in away conditions, then he beat the likes of Gardner and Cross; yes these were journeyman but he still fought away from home and it's never easy, but even journeyman from that era could be legit contenders right now, Cross beat Bert Cooper and Clark when he was meant to be another stepping stone. Then he lost to a legend of the sport in Mike Tyson twice, nothing to be ashamed off.

Bruno's best wins are McCall and Tillis, both these fighters have the tools to beat AJ and are better wins then Wladmir / Parker.
Bruno lost 5 times and when you fight in the era he did it's hardly surprising, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, James Smith and Tim Witherspoon would all beat AJ.

Most are familiar with Tyson / Lewis so they need not be explained, but Smith was a big puncher who would go on to beat the highly skilled Witherspoon in just 1 round to claim the WBA HW title. Witherspoonon a 2 time world champion with wins over Smith and Page stood at 6 ft 3 with reach of 78 inches on the other hand and had a very high in-ring IQ, he was a great all round fighter, good power / speed / movement and in-ring intelligence, he was a very good pressure fighter who wasn't easy to dissect because of that cross-arm guard which was used to set up most of his offence, the sparring sessions with Ali and Larry Holmes really helped his development

And speaking Bruno's individual skill, he not only had a great jab and right hand but unlike AJ he had a left hook as well and worked the body, the Smith fight came early for Bruno but he did learn a lot from him stylistically and would later use his looping right hand so the punch variety is there, he was also a lot more powerful with 38 stoppages from 40 fight and in those days you had earn your KO's, you pointed out that he has a weak chin that is a myth, even more so when it is based on him getting knocked out by ATG punchers like Mike Tyson and Lewis with Smith / Tim being no mugs at all ; his biggest weakness was his poor defence and as I have said AJ's is better.

So we can easily say that Bruno overall is better technically and in terms of accomplishments, AJ has more belts but Bruno fought in a very tough HW era; the one time AJ fought someone who matched up to him physically he almost lost against Wladmir, he has hardly looked impressive against smaller fighters as well like Takam / Parker fighters who Bruno would destroy within 6 rounds. Bruno has fought the better opposition and fighters who matched up to him physically, there have been losses yes but all those fighters who beat him would run through AJ given their bigger tool set. The challenge for AJ will be to beat Wilder, reign for a long period and run through guys like Parker if he is as good as you are making him out to be.

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] If there's something which I've posted that is not true with regards to an event which occurred or a piece of analysis feel free to point it out, I respect both of your boxing knowledge unlike the casuals who deflect instead of engaging in debate

 

[KingKhanWC]

There's talk of AJ facing Miller in the US that could happen but no way in hell would he face Wilder over there. Bruno had a lot of heart, he could have vacated his title / retired instead of facing Tyson but went out on his shield away from his comfort zone, massive respect.

Just go to a lounge or pub mate like me and [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] , that's where I usually watch boxing unless it's a fight in the US then I have to buy the event on boxnation and stay up until 4 or 5am but 9 times out of 10 the main event / under-card tend to deliver.

Lounges busy when the boxing on but yes better than spending £25 to go into Joshua and Hearns pockets when they put on rubbish over hyped fights.

Spot on post regarding Bruno. What people fail to understand is the simple fact in Bruno's era the qaulity of HW's was far far superiour to what they are today.

 

[shaz619]

Lounges busy when the boxing on but yes better than spending £25 to go into Joshua and Hearns pockets when they put on rubbish over hyped fights.

Spot on post regarding Bruno. What people fail to understand is the simple fact in Bruno's era the qaulity of HW's was far far superiour to what they are today.

They do get busy we were lucky to get a nice little booth felt like a VIP avoided paying an entrance fee as well I only ever paid for the Wlad fight, because he's a boxing hero and I wanted to see one lash Hurrah; the card and fight delivered to be fair, otherwise I am very careful when it comes to matchroom cards. Boxnation is better.

Do people seriously believe Parker would have gone the distance with Bruno, if so they need to be drug tested There's no comparison at all unless we see some massive improvement.

 

[IMMY69]

Where have I called you a casual in that post and you have not even provided a retort for even one of the points instead of saying things like me just typing stuff doesn't make it true before taking the moral high ground acting like a victim as if you preach the gospel truth, what I have said is my opinion and I have backed it up to the best of my understanding when it comes to boxing. The entire debate has been orchestrated based on the assumption that Anthony Joshua is better then Frank Bruno, you have failed to explain why; we're not breaking down Bruno's career relative to his peers but the current era and Joshua.

I am very well aware of Bruno's contract which is why I said he could have retired or vacate the belt, it takes serious bravery to not only face Tyson once but twice. You have again displayed ignorance when it comes to fighting in away conditions or objectively judge his resume. Only a casual would call a boxer a bum, typical keyboard warrior.

Yep, you've wasted my time especially I thought you knew a thing or two about Boxing but you're just another casual it seems that thinks AJ is better then Bruno because he took a few pictures with you and said Hi to Joseph Parkers mommy

You have called anyone who disagrees with you a casual..

Also, you need to read the posts because I compared Joshua with Bruno in terms of stamina and the fact that he had a weak chin. I also said that AJ is a work in progress and I never said he is better than anyone from the past era. You inferred things that were not there and in your blatant dislike for AJ as a human being you have gone off on a completely different tangent.

I am only continuing with the Bruno posts because it's not nice to label anyone who disagrees with you as a casual. Everyone is entitled to their views. Mine is that I think AJ is a good bloke but he has yet to prove himself in the boxing arena. I also see similarities with Bruno in that Bruno was hyped up big time.
He was the great british heavyweight hope who got found out the moment he went elite level.

You will also recall that I said the division is weak and there are really only two fights out there which can define AJ's position, i.e. Wilder and Fury. Overall, this shows how bad the situation is in the heavy weight category as compared to the 70's and 80's.

 

[IMMY69]

By the way in retrospect, and having read my posts again, I still maintain that AJ is slightly better than Bruno. Not saying that Bruno wouldn't have taken AJ out as he had the jab and power to do it. Just that it would be more of a stamina contest and this respect AJ may have come out on top.

 

[shaz619]

You have called anyone who disagrees with you a casual..

Also, you need to read the posts because I compared Joshua with Bruno in terms of stamina and the fact that he had a weak chin. I also said that AJ is a work in progress and I never said he is better than anyone from the past era. You inferred things that were not there and in your blatant dislike for AJ as a human being you have gone off on a completely different tangent.

I am only continuing with the Bruno posts because it's not nice to label anyone who disagrees with you as a casual. Everyone is entitled to their views. Mine is that I think AJ is a good bloke but he has yet to prove himself in the boxing arena. I also see similarities with Bruno in that Bruno was hyped up big time.
He was the great british heavyweight hope who got found out the moment he went elite level.

You will also recall that I said the division is weak and there are really only two fights out there which can define AJ's position, i.e. Wilder and Fury. Overall, this shows how bad the situation is in the heavy weight category as compared to the 70's and 80's.

I didn't call you a casual in that post but you were talking about stuff not related to boxing in response when I was responding to the AJ / Bruno debate, what has me not liking him (something which I admit openly actually) have anything to do with me breaking AJ and Bruno down, also it's not like am the only one who is not quick to jump on the hype train. I don't like Carl Froch either but he is one of my all time favourite British Fighters.

 

[shaz619]

By the way in retrospect, and having read my posts again, I still maintain that AJ is slightly better than Bruno. Not saying that Bruno wouldn't have taken AJ out as he had the jab and power to do it. Just that it would be more of a stamina contest and this respect AJ may have come out on top.

Well that's your opinion but I have already explained why I believe Bruno is superior. AJ showed good endurance to go 12 rounds against Parker but lets be honest, was he really made to work hard ? when you're really in the wars that's when your stamina gets tested, so there's still a ? there.

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=491]IMMY69[/MENTION] Do you honestly believe Parker would last the distance against Bruno ?

 

[IMMY69]

[MENTION=491]IMMY69[/MENTION] Do you honestly believe Parker would last the distance against Bruno ?

Parker has never been down and I reckon he would have avoided Bruno with his speed. Having said that I think styles make fights and Bruno could have done the same as AJ and taken it on points...

The ref played his part but honestly I think with the reach, height and weight advantage, Parker was always going to be second favourite. Like you said there are not many Tyson’s in the world

 

[shaz619]

Parker has never been down and I reckon he would have avoided Bruno with his speed. Having said that I think styles make fights and Bruno could have done the same as AJ and taken it on points...

The ref played his part but honestly I think with the reach, height and weight advantage, Parker was always going to be second favourite. Like you said there are not many Tyson’s in the world

Watch Bruno highlights against Mcall, he was very clever using his looping right and left hook, worked the body as well; Parker never had to deal with either vs AJ and was very open for the counter left hook. One of the reasons behind Wladmir's dominant reign was his left hook, am sure it's something AJ's team will be working on and if he can add it to his tool set he can be very devastating

 

[WC-Passion]

Eddie and AJ need to pick up the phone

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don’t be with that bulls*** <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieHearn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eddiehearn</a> pick up the phone Maine...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BombZquad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BombZquad</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rr4aewgKo4">pic.twitter.com/Rr4aewgKo4</a></p>— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) <a href="https://twitter.com/BronzeBomber/status/980273937769639936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 April 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lmao, Wilder is crazy.

 

[shaz619]

Lmao, Wilder is crazy.

One hell of a personality, the division needs folk like him and Fury. It's scary how the legendary Emanuel Steward predicted both would be world champions when they were Wladmir's sparring partners.

He did an in-depth interview in America just before the Parker fight, it was great; love the insight:

 

[The Viper]

Joshua vs Ruiz Jr: Andy Ruiz Jr says Anthony Joshua will find out that first impressions are misleading

Joshua defends world titles against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office

Andy Ruiz Jr has seized another world title shot in the turbulent heavyweight division and says Anthony Joshua will find out that first impressions can be misleading.

Ruiz Jr was set to be a keen observer this weekend. The fast-handed Californian, a former world title challenger, was ready to take a seat in his Imperial Valley home and watch Anthony Joshua's American debut against brash New Yorker, Jarrell Miller.

Plans were made, friends were likely invited around, and it promised to be an entertaining night in the Ruiz household, but then things changed. Miller failed a drug test and chaos ensued. Joshua needed an opponent and Ruiz was named as his new foe for Saturday's world heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

A promising amateur when representing Mexico, Ruiz made it to the latter stages of many tournament qualifying events, but glory repeatedly evaded him anywhere above domestic level. Turning professional in the spring of 2009 and largely based on America's west coast, Ruiz, despite his appearance, demonstrated to audiences that he was an accomplished fighter on multiple occasions. With world heavyweight titles in touching distance, Ruiz admits it's a position that he hardly envisaged growing up.

"I didn't think I would come to this level. A lot of people doubted me," reveals the likeable 29-year-old. "They said: 'this chubby kid won't do nothing, he's not in shape'. But I kept pursuing my dream, I kept training hard, and put all the negative stuff to the side. I believed in myself.

"Everybody has been underestimating me since day one, and that gives me extra motivation to work harder. Yes, we need to work harder on the body. But it doesn't make you a great fighter, having a six-pack. What makes a great fighter is having heart and throwing punches. It's what's on the inside."

Now possessing an inner confidence that's desperately needed at the highest level, Ruiz is about to challenge for his second world title after his first effort saw him narrowly outpointed by Joseph Parker in the New Zealander's backyard. Ruiz was desperately unlucky not to receive the verdict that night as he pushed Parker to the limit in front of a hostile crowd that let Ruiz know exactly what they thought of him. Realising that he was more than capable of competing in the division's upper echelon, Ruiz is now focused on becoming champion and to make the people of Mexico proud with an historic title win in the top weight class.

"It's passion and courage to fulfil my dreams and accomplish my goal of becoming the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world," said Ruiz Jr.

"Being at the Canelo [Alvarez] fight was a motivation, it was excitement. I want to be the Canelo of the heavyweight division. There has never been a Mexican heavyweight star. It's unusual but God gave me this talent so I'm here to shock the world, and to get the upset."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...ind-out-that-first-impressions-are-misleading

 

[Reddy]

 

[Savak]

Lol AJ's world has come crashing down. Wilder, Fury, Ruiz are the top dawg nows. Can't believe people overpaid AJ all these years

 

[shaz619]

Have posted my thoughts in the PP boxing thread regarding the actual defeat which was expected for most enthusiasts although not at Ruiz's hands for those who follow the sport beyond AJ but regarding what needs to be done from here:

I never liked AJ training in the Team GB set up, first of all should he even be there as a pro fighter ? That facility is funded by the public. Anyway, Rob is great for the amateurs and has been decent enough for AJ but he hasn't made any noticeable technical improvements defensively, the KO's have been hiding this. Then their interaction in the corner was just bizzare!

I would advise AJ to immediately hire Jonathon Banks as his trainer and Wladmir as an advisor, he needs to model his style; yes it will be ugly but at the top level best way for him to win is use height / reach, jab / grab / right hand and left hook from time to time, limit the combination punching to; they will also provide the best way forward from a body composition and strength / conditioning POV, unfortunate late Emanuel has passed away he would be perfect for AJ right now

 

[MenInG]

Talks are under way over a historic bout for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Representatives of the two Britons are in dialogue with venues keen to stage the fight in a bid to make clear how much money the contest could generate.

Neither side is negotiating monetary splits or wider demands at this stage.

But Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said they are "talking" about how a bout for all the heavyweight belts could happen.

One source close to the discussions told BBC Sport they now believe the fight "will happen" and confirmed talks were under way.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia - the country that staged Joshua's rematch victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in December - are keen to secure the bout.

After working closely with Hearn to host Joshua-Ruiz, a member of the country's royal family sat next to promoter Frank Warren in Las Vegas to watch Fury win the WBC belt from Deontay Wilder in February.

Wilder has a contract to face Fury again, while Joshua - holder of the IBF, WBA and WBO belts - is slated to face Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev when sport resumes after the coronavirus shutdown.

At this stage, establishing how much money could be generated by a Joshua-Fury bout is seen as key as it would allow clarity on what could be offered to Wilder and Pulev in order for them to break the contracts they have in place.

The 'step aside' money on offer for both men would be several million dollars and there is a feeling privately that Wilder - who has just had surgery - would take it, even though those closest to him have refused to acknowledge the prospect.

Wilder was due to face Fury for a third time but both dates in July and October have been wiped out by the coronavirus outbreak. It is not known as to whether the contract in place for the fight could lapse as a result of the delays but if it did, it would free Fury to pursue his fight of choice.

"Negotiations aren't under way," Joshua's promoter Hearn told Sky Sports on Thursday. "What I can tell you is we are talking. We are all on the same page. You will get this fight, it's just a case of where and when.

"There is the major hurdle that we are both under contract for other fights. Everything is solvable with money."

Delivering the fight - which would create the first heavyweight in history to hold all four belts - faces further hurdles even if Wilder and Pulev step away from their respective bouts.

Promoters Hearn and Warren would need to briefly overcome their rivalry, Fury's promoter in the US Bob Arum would need to be on board, financial splits would need agreeing and rival television broadcasters would need to work as one.

A source close to the talks stressed the need for everyone involved to work in harmony, a feat that has at times been hard to achieve in securing the biggest bouts in the sport.

On his podcast, former world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch assured listeners that regardless of politics, bouts at the highest level will happen if the fighters want them.

"Trust me, the fighter at the top level is the boss," said Froch. "It's the fighters that aren't making the fight happen. If two fighters actually want the fight, have a 50-50 split, remember that the fight doesn't happen without both of you, so then the fight happens."

While talks are at a very early stage, any bout would be aimed at late in 2020 or early in 2021 and in the interim, all parties will learn if it would be possible for fans to attend any fight given the current ban on mass gatherings in most countries.

And the sums that could be earned from the contest after a boxing shutdown that has presented financial challenges for promoters and broadcasters would undoubtedly be welcomed.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/52502389

 

[MenInG]

Joshua's world title wins 4-6

4. Beat Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine) 29 April 2017 – 11th round TKO – WBA, IBF, IBO – Wembley Stadium, London

Joshua added the WBA and IBO titles to his IBF belt with a hard-fought win over Wladimir Klitschko. The Ukrainian was knocked down in the fifth, recovered to put Joshua down in the next, but the Englishman, aided by a brutal uppercut, took charge late on, flooring Klitschko in the 11th before the fight was stopped.

5. Beat Carlos Takam (France) 28 October 2017 – 10th round TKO – WBA, IBF, IBO – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Win number 20 of Joshua’s career came in Wales against tough Frenchman Carlos Takam. The away fighter suffered a cut above his right eye and was knocked down in the fourth, but battled on until the 10th before the referee had seen enough.

6. Beat Joseph Parker (New Zealand) 31 March 2018 – Unanimous points decision – WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

For the first time in his then 21-fight career, Joshua was taken the distance but gained the verdict from the judges by 10 points on one card and eight on the other two to grab the WBO title out of the hands of New Zealander Joseph Parker.


7. Beat Alexander Povetkin (Russia) 22 September 2018 – seventh round TKO – WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO – Wembley Stadium, London

In front 80,000 fans at Wembley, Joshua had a real battle on his hands before stopping Alexander Povetkin in the seventh after he had knocked him down twice earlier in the same round.

8. Beat Andy Ruiz (USA / Mexico) 7 December 2019 – Unanimous points decision – WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO – Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia

After suffering a shocking loss, the first of his career, to American-Mexican Andy Ruiz in New York six months earlier, Joshua got his revenge with a controlled performance in Saudi Arabia, winning by an eight-round margin on two cards and by 10 on the third.

9. Beat Kubrat Pulev (Bulgaria) 12 December 2020 – ninth round KO – WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO – Wembley Arena

Fighting for the first time in more than a year and in front of only 1,000 people because of coronavirus restrictions, Joshua got the job done with a dominant display over Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev. Pulev was down in the third and then twice in the ninth and on the second occasion couldn’t get back up in time.

 

[90MPH]

Joshua was out classed tonight.

Great credit to Uzyk, that was a masterclass by him.

 

[IMMY69]

Rip aj

 

[shaz619]

The most over hyped British Boxer in history, the amount of drivel I have seen over the past few weeks or so from his casual fans has been nothing short of embarrassing, AJ has been hyped to the moon and marketed so well that the plus side of his delusion is that he attracts new fans in Britain, mostly the Friday night drunk yobs, England footy fans and casuals who don’t know sh!t about boxing. But if you carefully study his resume you’d see that he has never beaten a Top 3 HW at their championship peak or prime and has a record which is extremely padded but he has been hyped and built so well that even a thrashing against short notice opponent Ruiz didn’t silence the hype train.

Usyk is highly skilled, an Olympic Gold medalist and no doubt he was expected to give AJ problems, but after all he was a Cruiserweight in his 3rd fight at Heavyweight! fighting for the unified world championship, this is history and a monumental upset of epic proportions, not even Holyfield achieved this, he fought for the title in his 5th or 6th fight at Heavyweight, so you can gauge the huge size advantage which AJ possessed, for all the size, physicality, every bell and every whistle - he just lacks Heart, now getting smashed to bits by a Cruser essentially, how humiliating, this is a horrible result for British Boxing and personally I really wanted to see Fury/AJ given the non-sensical hatred and criticism which is constantly directed at Tyson who btw may even lose himself potentially, but it wont be against a glorified Cruser.

Pathetic home town cooking at the end there, the ref should have stopped the fight when AJ was unable to protect himself, maybe he was hoping the judged would call it a draw but what’s more shocking is that Usyk got the unanimous decision in one of the most corrupt Boxing country’s in the world.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua will want an immediate rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua 'will want' an immediate rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after losing his world heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision loss, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua's WBA, IBF and WBO belts were ripped away by Usyk, who completed a masterful points victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.

But the British star can trigger a rematch clause, setting up a second fight against the Ukrainian.

Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: "It's going to be really difficult because Usyk's confidence will be sky high, but when you get to the level of Anthony Joshua, as we saw after the Ruiz defeat, there's no 10-round comeback fights and warm-ups.

"It's straight back into the fire and he will want to go straight back into that rematch. He will be an underdog in the rematch this time after that tonight, but that's what he does."

Joshua suffered a swelling under his right eye during the closing stages of the fight, with Usyk nearly forcing a stoppage in the final round.

He immediately returned to the dressing room to receive medical attention.

"It was a tough fight, a gruelling fight," said Hearn.

"He's not quite talking the way you would expect him to talk at the moment. Devastated. He's already talking about training again.

"They want to look at the eye socket. He says it's fine, but a devastating defeat.

"Obviously congratulations to Oleksandr Usyk. What a fighter. He put in a great performance tonight and the better man won."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...with-oleksandr-usyk-says-promoter-eddie-hearn

 

[in_cutter]

Absolute hype job. Been telling mates AJ is nothing special. Beat a few b ums and that’s it.

 

[Aman]

Someone's GOAT got mauled.

Was a mistake to try beat Usyk at his own game, should have bulked and gone for the KO. Joshua's best bet of betting Usyk.

99/100 times, Usyk beats Joshua if it goes the distance - faster, smarter, more experienced and more skilled.

 

[Robert]

Hey [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] why do you think AJ didn’t go forward more, try to use his weight and power to bully Usyk? Surely that was his way to win.

Where does AJ go from here, I wonder.

 

[James]

AJ got battered unfortunately, and his rather shellshocked withdrawn state after the fight clearly demonstrated how thoroughly schooled and humbled he was feeling. Although he will obviously want to go for the rematch, I don’t think it will be scheduled for a while. His confidence will be shot to pieces after the comprehensive boxing lesson that he has just received in front of his fans and with millions watching at home.

 

[Manunited18]

A.J. is basically Bruno mark 2. Clumsy, lethargic , and way to static.

 

[Uzi]

Is AJ the most hyped boxer (I use that term very loosely) from Britain? Out of his depth.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He was well and truly schooled and I am disappointed because it decreases the likelihood of a potential AJ v Fury fight happening any time soon.

 

[shaz619]

Hey [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] why do you think AJ didn’t go forward more, try to use his weight and power to bully Usyk? Surely that was his way to win.

Where does AJ go from here, I wonder.

He tried to box with a master boxer and it was a silly thing to do, as I suggested prior to the fight he is best suited to pressing on the front foot and bull-dozing Usyk but why was he unable to do that?

Firstly, it’s easier said then done against a Boxer who moves as well as Usyk; especially for a Heavyweight and secondly, AJ has been in his shell a bit since suffering the KO defeat against Ruiz, it made him a lot more tentative from fighting in the pocket because he is constantly worried about getting caught and that risk does exist when you over-reach or your feet caught square while you are throwing multiple combinations on the inside which leave his chin exposed.

However, you’d think that against a blown up Cruserweight he would take that risk to come forward and also handle his power should he get caught, but unfortunately the biggest factor is that it comes down to courage in order to be able to do that, AJ essentially should have been aggressive early on before Usyk was able to make typical adjustments from the second half of a fight - sometimes you just need to take that risk, maybe it wont always pay off but you are remembered for your courage, see @ Hearns vs Hagler - a 3 round War widely regarded as the greatest MW bout of all time.

In my opinion AJ should not exercise his rematch clause, take some time out and then go with a new trainer who buys into the front foot philosophy, someone like a Freddie Roach maybe or Steward, sometimes it’s good to change things up when you’ve been doing the same thing over and over

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua says he is "a different animal, not a sulker" and "will bounce back" from losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua said he "couldn't see in round nine" after an eye injury sustained in Saturday's 12-round fight with the Ukrainian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

His promoter Eddie Hearn suggested his fighter may have suffered a broken eye socket.

"I can't go back and sulk - that's wasting time," Joshua, 31, said.

How the boxing world reacted to Usyk's stunning victory
5 Live boxing podcast: Analysis of Joshua's defeat
Asked after the fight about what went wrong, the defeated Briton said: "I couldn't see in the ninth round, couldn't see anything really because my eye was shut.

"It was a good experience because in adversity you've just got to learn to control yourself, stay on top of things, so when I couldn't see anything - it's the first time that it's happened in a fight."

Hearn had said Joshua had given Usyk, 34, too much respect and would have to make "fundamental changes" to regain the WBA, WBO and IBF titles he lost in the fight.

The Briton has a rematch clause in his contract with Usyk, and later confirmed he would take it.

Fight report: Usyk outclasses Joshua to take unanimous points win
'Why didn't he have a go?' Pundits bemused by 'negative' Joshua
Joshua v Usyk - fight as it unfolded, and reaction
Okolie retains cruiserweight title with third-round knockout
Anthony Joshua with an eye injury in defeat to Alexander Usyk
"This experience today is invaluable. This will have a massive benefit in the next fight," said Joshua, pictured with his swollen eye mid-fight
Joshua added: "When I was walking back through the tunnel, I just said to myself, 'I'm ready to get back to the gym, I'm ready to just put that work in'.

"I just want to get back to the gym, get back on the grind and improve, so when I fight these good guys and see that they are hurt I can capitalise on the opportunity.

"It was a great lesson today. I know we can look at it from a negative point of view but, for me, I've got to take it as a great lesson and build on that situation.

"I never tend to look at the opponent. I just tend to look at myself and realise where I went wrong. So it's not so much what he done, it's the opportunities that I gave him. It's not so much him. I'm just going to go back and look at myself and correct my wrongs.

"I'm a different kind of animal. I'm not a sulker. This is a blessed opportunity, to be able to fight for the heavyweight title of the world, fight good fighters time and time again and for people to come out.

"I'm not going to be going home and be crying about it, because this is war. It's a long process. This isn't just one fight and then I'm done.

"I'm going back to look at way that I can improve. Straight away, I've already been watching the fight and thinking 'I could've done that better'."


Report
Fury fight 'doubtful' - Warren
Tyson Fury's co-promoter Frank Warren is now doubtful a long-awaited all-British fight with Joshua will happen after a dominant Usyk became the unified heavyweight champion.

"I don't see it happening now," Warren told BBC Sport.

"If it did happen, what would Tyson have done to him? It wouldn't have gone 12 rounds. Tyson would have destroyed him. Absolutely. The unification fight was there, such a big fight. Heartbreaking.

"What would Tyson Fury had done to Joshua? A better chin, bigger puncher."

Warren said Joshua "didn't have any tactics" and compared Saturday's fight with his June 2019 shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr.

"Usyk is a good fighter, he boxed extremely well," Warren said.

"But that was my thing about this fight - Joshua is so vulnerable. He's been like that for ages.

"I thought Joshua would be too big for Usyk, but I knew if he was there at the end, then he's been outboxed. Usyk nearly had him over at the end."

"He was gun shy. Never let his hands go. They can talk all they want about rematches. He's just been totally exposed, like he was against Ruiz. How can he be getting outjabbed by Usyk, who was taking the fight to him? I was shocked at that.

"Even if he was to beat Usyk, what is Tyson Fury going to do to Joshua? You'd have your house on Tyson beating him."

Asked about any future fight with WBC champion Fury, Joshua said: "The road to undisputed is marketing. When I pulled up today, it just reminds me that it's a big circus. This is the greatest show on Earth.

"I'll fight Tyson Fury and Wilder without the belts. The belts are fun, it's great, it's legacy - but with or without the belts, I'll fight whoever. The road to undisputed [champion] is a nice title to have and chase but would you still watch it without the belts?

"The main thing is that you have got two competitive fighters in the ring from UK soil that just want to go toe-to-toe."

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn admitted he was "gutted" about the defeat.

"He will have to make fundamental changes, he will have to box differently," Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live after the fight.

"I can't see AJ taking a 10-round fight, he boxes twice a year and maybe that is something we will have to look at.

"He is going to go away and all he will do is think about Oleksandr Usyk. He will be thinking: 'How can I beat him, how can I improve?' He is obsessed with improving.

"I just feel there is so much more Anthony Joshua in that fight but he will have to do a lot more in the rematch to be victorious."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/58678543

 

[Robert]

He tried to box with a master boxer and it was a silly thing to do, as I suggested prior to the fight he is best suited to pressing on the front foot and bull-dozing Usyk but why was he unable to do that?

Firstly, it’s easier said then done against a Boxer who moves as well as Usyk; especially for a Heavyweight and secondly, AJ has been in his shell a bit since suffering the KO defeat against Ruiz, it made him a lot more tentative from fighting in the pocket because he is constantly worried about getting caught and that risk does exist when you over-reach or your feet caught square while you are throwing multiple combinations on the inside which leave his chin exposed.

However, you’d think that against a blown up Cruserweight he would take that risk to come forward and also handle his power should he get caught, but unfortunately the biggest factor is that it comes down to courage in order to be able to do that, AJ essentially should have been aggressive early on before Usyk was able to make typical adjustments from the second half of a fight - sometimes you just need to take that risk, maybe it wont always pay off but you are remembered for your courage, see @ Hearns vs Hagler - a 3 round War widely regarded as the greatest MW bout of all time.

In my opinion AJ should not exercise his rematch clause, take some time out and then go with a new trainer who buys into the front foot philosophy, someone like a Freddie Roach maybe or Steward, sometimes it’s good to change things up when you’ve been doing the same thing over and over

Thanks for this enlightening analysis, a bit more depth than one usually sees. Clearly you know your onions.

 

[IMMY69]

He tried to box with a master boxer and it was a silly thing to do, as I suggested prior to the fight he is best suited to pressing on the front foot and bull-dozing Usyk but why was he unable to do that?

Firstly, it’s easier said then done against a Boxer who moves as well as Usyk; especially for a Heavyweight and secondly, AJ has been in his shell a bit since suffering the KO defeat against Ruiz, it made him a lot more tentative from fighting in the pocket because he is constantly worried about getting caught and that risk does exist when you over-reach or your feet caught square while you are throwing multiple combinations on the inside which leave his chin exposed.

However, you’d think that against a blown up Cruserweight he would take that risk to come forward and also handle his power should he get caught, but unfortunately the biggest factor is that it comes down to courage in order to be able to do that, AJ essentially should have been aggressive early on before Usyk was able to make typical adjustments from the second half of a fight - sometimes you just need to take that risk, maybe it wont always pay off but you are remembered for your courage, see @ Hearns vs Hagler - a 3 round War widely regarded as the greatest MW bout of all time.

In my opinion AJ should not exercise his rematch clause, take some time out and then go with a new trainer who buys into the front foot philosophy, someone like a Freddie Roach maybe or Steward, sometimes it’s good to change things up when you’ve been doing the same thing over and over

AJ seems to have his own office at Sky TV. He's their golden boy (and goose). They'll want him to have the rematch but on his recent performances, I agree, AJ will just get schooled again.

As a fan of AJ I'll admit to being a naughty student and getting schooled

 

[Saj]

Oleksandr Usyk's team have announced that Anthony Joshua has 'activated in principle' a rematch clause and they hope Kiev will host the fight in February.

 

[shaz619]

Thanks for this enlightening analysis, a bit more depth than one usually sees. Clearly you know your onions.

No worries, I been involved in it since a youngster when I developed a passion and help some school kids now at a local ABA club, pick up stuff from some of the lead trainers especially.

 

[shaz619]

AJ seems to have his own office at Sky TV. He's their golden boy (and goose). They'll want him to have the rematch but on his recent performances, I agree, AJ will just get schooled again.

As a fan of AJ I'll admit to being a naughty student and getting schooled

Yes, the final milking has not been completed yet I know they'd want to maximise their returns as much as possible @Wembley but AJ seems pretty adamant about an immediate rematch, he was advised not to pursue it after Ruiz defeat to but had a plan which worked, he is probably thinking along the same lines now but it will be a little more difficult to execute what he has in mind against Usyk who will anticipate the change in tactics and the main concern will be how well he is doing mentally; he can for sure put in a better performance, but right after such a defeat it's not always wise to go into a big fight again with a bad mental state, there was a big gap last time between the Ruiz defeat and rematch last time though and he had plenty of time to clear his head a bit, meanwhile Ruiz went all out to celebrate his reign and was out of shape when the rematch came, Usyk wont have the same issues with motivation.

Sky can be pure aids sometimes and the entire hype train but it comes down to AJ and what he wants to do as well, not sure who even advises him but am not a big fan of Robert McCracken, he did well as an amateur coach but what has he really achieved at the pro level ? did he make a real difference to the career's of Carl Froch and AJ ? am not so sure, Froch always was blessed with a granite chin and fought his entire career with an open guard, we've seen AJ try a variety of different approaches but that just shows the lack of consistency in his fighting style and inability to maximise his strengths.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua triggers rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after losing belts

Anthony Joshua's rematch against heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk could take place in March, his promoter Eddie Hearn says.

Hearn confirmed on Saturday night that Joshua had triggered his rematch clause against the Ukrainian.

Usyk stunned Britain's Joshua last month, winning by unanimous decision to take the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts.

"He [Joshua] has got his head back in the game," Hearn said.

"He is training now and today we officially triggered the rematch for the Oleksandr Usyk fight which we will see early next spring.

"We're looking for him to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. I think realistically March is when you're likely to see the rematch."

Usyk has previously said he wants the rematch to take place at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/58859892

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua has met with several American-based trainers as he considers a shake-up to his coaching set-up following his defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.

The British heavyweight has faced calls to part ways with long-time coach Rob McCracken since losing his WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles to Usyk last month.

Joshua has met Virgil Hunter, Eddy Reynoso and Ronnie Shields in the US.

"I guess he didn't feel it was the right [gameplan against Usyk] so he wanted to make a change," said Shields.

Hunter is based in Oakland, California and trained the likes of multiple-weight world champion Andre Ward and Amir Khan.

Joshua has close ties within Hunter's camp with British fighter Joshua Buatsi also training under the veteran coach.

Reynoso is famous for guiding boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez to the top of the sport and the 44-year-old also trains WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez and Joshua's former opponent Andy Ruiz Jr.

Shields, who is based in Texas, confirmed rumours Joshua was on the hunt for a new trainer after welcoming him into his gym this week.

"They reached out to me and they asked if I would be interested in taking a look at AJ and that he wanted to come down to Texas and see if things would work out between him and I," Shields told ThaBoxingVoice. "I said, 'No problem, I would love to see if we had a connection together'.

"He said, 'European boxing is different from boxing in the US'. He realised he had to come to the US to get something different.

"He told me, 'Listen, I know people don't think I'm a dog. I've got to be a dog in this next fight'. And that's his words. He told me, 'I just need you to show me how to be the best dog you can teach me to be'."

Shields has worked with a slew of heavyweight champions including Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Jermall Charlo works under Shields and posted several videos on his Instagram of Joshua speaking with his coach and doing some light training.

Joshua has not made a final decision on his coaching staff, which also includes assistant trainers Angel Hernandez and Joby Clayton.

After his defeat by Ruiz Jr, Joshua added Hernandez to his team and the 32-year-old could yet stay with McCracken as his head coach.

A switch to the US would see Joshua have to move his training headquarters away from Sheffield where he has spent his entire professional and amateur career.

McCracken has trained Joshua since his amateur days, but was heavily criticised for the gameplan against Usyk.

Joshua was completely outclassed by Usyk and convincingly beaten after deciding to try and outbox the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

BBC

 

[WC-Passion]

Who but blind Joshua fans didn't see this coming? I've never seen a boxer with this level of great PR in my life.

 

[shaz619]

Who but blind Joshua fans didn't see this coming? I've never seen a boxer with this level of great PR in my life.

There are pro’s and con’s to it, on one hand he has helped inspire the stadium era of events this century in the UK, something we’ve not seen in a long time; as a consequence though, they’ve managed to attract a completely new casual fan base in England who are not so well informed on the sport and treat the golden goose like their favourite football team except the delusion can run very deep.

 

[shaz619]

Anthony Joshua has met with several American-based trainers as he considers a shake-up to his coaching set-up following his defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.

The British heavyweight has faced calls to part ways with long-time coach Rob McCracken since losing his WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles to Usyk last month.

Joshua has met Virgil Hunter, Eddy Reynoso and Ronnie Shields in the US.

"I guess he didn't feel it was the right [gameplan against Usyk] so he wanted to make a change," said Shields.

Hunter is based in Oakland, California and trained the likes of multiple-weight world champion Andre Ward and Amir Khan.

Joshua has close ties within Hunter's camp with British fighter Joshua Buatsi also training under the veteran coach.

Reynoso is famous for guiding boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez to the top of the sport and the 44-year-old also trains WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez and Joshua's former opponent Andy Ruiz Jr.

Shields, who is based in Texas, confirmed rumours Joshua was on the hunt for a new trainer after welcoming him into his gym this week.

"They reached out to me and they asked if I would be interested in taking a look at AJ and that he wanted to come down to Texas and see if things would work out between him and I," Shields told ThaBoxingVoice. "I said, 'No problem, I would love to see if we had a connection together'.

"He said, 'European boxing is different from boxing in the US'. He realised he had to come to the US to get something different.

"He told me, 'Listen, I know people don't think I'm a dog. I've got to be a dog in this next fight'. And that's his words. He told me, 'I just need you to show me how to be the best dog you can teach me to be'."

Shields has worked with a slew of heavyweight champions including Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Jermall Charlo works under Shields and posted several videos on his Instagram of Joshua speaking with his coach and doing some light training.

Joshua has not made a final decision on his coaching staff, which also includes assistant trainers Angel Hernandez and Joby Clayton.

After his defeat by Ruiz Jr, Joshua added Hernandez to his team and the 32-year-old could yet stay with McCracken as his head coach.

A switch to the US would see Joshua have to move his training headquarters away from Sheffield where he has spent his entire professional and amateur career.

McCracken has trained Joshua since his amateur days, but was heavily criticised for the gameplan against Usyk.

Joshua was completely outclassed by Usyk and convincingly beaten after deciding to try and outbox the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

BBC

Good move, have been saying it for a while that he needed to move away from Rob. A step in the right direction regardless of the short term outcome because he seems open to embracing a different vision.

 

[Robert]

There are pro’s and con’s to it, on one hand he has helped inspire the stadium era of events this century in the UK, something we’ve not seen in a long time; as a consequence though, they’ve managed to attract a completely new casual fan base in England who are not so well informed on the sport and treat the golden goose like their favourite football team except the delusion can run very deep.

He seems to spend time appearing in adverts. I wonder if he has lost focus. Whereas you never hear of Fury except in a boxing context. He is more focused on boxing success I think.

 

[shortbread]

He seems to spend time appearing in adverts. I wonder if he has lost focus. Whereas you never hear of Fury except in a boxing context. He is more focused on boxing success I think.

There's no right or wrong in this, rest assured Joshua has the bigger bank balance and that's always been a major priority. If you rub shoulders with Eddie Hearn on a regular basis, will have an effect.

No matter what sort of training he does Joshua will not be the boxer Fury is. Tyson is a natural, born to dominate the sport. His size, reach, feet, movements everything defies biology.

 

[WC-Passion]

There are pro’s and con’s to it, on one hand he has helped inspire the stadium era of events this century in the UK, something we’ve not seen in a long time; as a consequence though, they’ve managed to attract a completely new casual fan base in England who are not so well informed on the sport and treat the golden goose like their favourite football team except the delusion can run very deep.

Yeah I agree, dude has been good for British boxing as a whole but I can't lie, (maybe as a consequence of big fights not happening as often as big matches in other sports), there's a lot of clueless people online when it comes to fight prediction and analysis.

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua has said he is "done with losing" as he considers a coaching shake-up following his defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua, who lost the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles to Ukrainian Usyk, told iFL TV he was ready for "war" as he prepares for a potential rematch.

"I'm done with losing. I'm done with trying to learn the sweet science," Briton Joshua, 32, said.

"[Usyk] might get thrown on the floor in the next fight because this is war."

He added: "I'm heading into my 12th world title fight now and the learning is done. It's done. It's just war. I'm annoyed. I'm boiling up just speaking about it."

Joshua has spent time in the United States since the loss and worked with leading trainers including Ronnie Shields, who was instrumental in Mike Tyson's in-ring career.

He insisted he was not splitting from long-time coach Rob McCracken but instead needed to develop further by seeking other inputs.

"I need a new coach to learn from as well," he added.

"I will not be basing myself in the States, I am a UK resident so I am not going out to the States to find a new coach.

"Rob's in Lithuania so I need to find a new coach for certain points as I train 10 or 11 months a year. I need to step away and get some new teachings from trainers who have trained the likes of 13 or 14 world champions.

"I wish I had done these things sooner, but now I can go out there and add things to my game."

Defeat by Usyk has put any immediate hopes of a clash with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, the WBC belt holder, on hold.

However, Joshua said he would use the setback as a catalyst to further success.

"Because you don't hear from me, I may not be effing and blinding on Instagram stories and stuff like that, it doesn't mean that I stomach losses," he said.

"We've had some awkward conversations in the camp. It hurts, especially when you've got a winner's mentality.

"I know from experience and track record, my mindset and my evaluation of losses and how I use them, it can catapult me to the next level."

BBC

 

[shaz619]

Yeah I agree, dude has been good for British boxing as a whole but I can't lie, (maybe as a consequence of big fights not happening as often as big matches in other sports), there's a lot of clueless people online when it comes to fight prediction and analysis.

Have to agree with you on that, there are some who post around here to you probably would have seen.

I watched his interview with Kugan, looks like Eddie forgot to keep him on a leash because AJ was showing his true colours a little more.

What I found most fascinating is how fragile the poor thing is, he doesn’t give interviews etc but he follows everything that is said about him and he gets worked up so easily, Kugan was fairly objective but AJ due to his insecurities got hurt by a number of questions. Also, less mic time for him is a positive because he is an old bore and that promo he tried to cut at the end was full of cringe, anyway ignoring the odd personality, he gave Fury some backhanded compliments (clearly jealous) and his training situation remains a bit of a mystery - he is doing the right thing to make proper changes for once but what I found most fascinating was that he had been adapting his style based on public/fan sentiment that he is just a puncher who is at risk of gassing in the later rounds, in doing so he handicapped one his strengths but a part of that was also the beating which Ruiz gave him and he became more conscious of the fact that he needs to be more defensive in order to pro-long his career, which is fine but you’re not always going to win fights like that against elite opposition.

I do expect him to put in an improved performance but he does find himself between a rock and a hard place at the moment, he needs to sort his training situation immediately and focus on the fight

 

[ElRaja]

Have to agree with you on that, there are some who post around here to you probably would have seen.

I watched his interview with Kugan, looks like Eddie forgot to keep him on a leash because AJ was showing his true colours a little more.

What I found most fascinating is how fragile the poor thing is, he doesn’t give interviews etc but he follows everything that is said about him and he gets worked up so easily, Kugan was fairly objective but AJ due to his insecurities got hurt by a number of questions. Also, less mic time for him is a positive because he is an old bore and that promo he tried to cut at the end was full of cringe, anyway ignoring the odd personality, he gave Fury some backhanded compliments (clearly jealous) and his training situation remains a bit of a mystery - he is doing the right thing to make proper changes for once but what I found most fascinating was that he had been adapting his style based on public/fan sentiment that he is just a puncher who is at risk of gassing in the later rounds, in doing so he handicapped one his strengths but a part of that was also the beating which Ruiz gave him and he became more conscious of the fact that he needs to be more defensive in order to pro-long his career, which is fine but you’re not always going to win fights like that against elite opposition.

I do expect him to put in an improved performance but he does find himself between a rock and a hard place at the moment, he needs to sort his training situation immediately and focus on the fight

hes treated his whole career as a business, no doubt about it, and you cant hate on the guy for doing that. its obvious against ruiz he really thought was boxing worth it if he ended up with brain problems at 45. this is his job, and hes tried his best to figure our how to leverage it, and he did that really well for about 8 years or so.

i didnt like his overly political answers about his trainer and team, like you want to project this image of im my own guy, i do what i want, but he said things in the most indirect and obfuscatory manner. but i still look forward to him becoming a bit more of a brawler. also think he wins the usyk rematch.

 

[shaz619]

hes treated his whole career as a business, no doubt about it, and you cant hate on the guy for doing that. its obvious against ruiz he really thought was boxing worth it if he ended up with brain problems at 45. this is his job, and hes tried his best to figure our how to leverage it, and he did that really well for about 8 years or so.

i didnt like his overly political answers about his trainer and team, like you want to project this image of im my own guy, i do what i want, but he said things in the most indirect and obfuscatory manner. but i still look forward to him becoming a bit more of a brawler. also think he wins the usyk rematch.

I wont disagree with that, matchroom and AJ’s hype team have done a tremendous job promoting him and building his protected / padded resume up carefully and Ruiz for sure put a number of fears in his head, but Boxing is a dangerous sport and all are aware of the risks, to succeed at the elite level you need an excellent ring IQ and a big heart. What I found interesting was that while part of him adapted his style a little due to the Ruiz loss, it was also due public sentiment on him being a puncher which I found bizarre, anyhow he regrets himself not seeking versatile coaches much earlier; not everyone is built to be able to use lateral movement in a fight and understand how to feint or mix up their aggression and control of space, some are just better placed working behind their jab, planting their feet and taking guys out.

But I don’t think going all guns blazing is the solution as that can play into Usyk’s strengths, he needs to control the fight with his jab at mid-range and unlike in his loss, follow up with combinations when there are openings, if you watched the fight he’d land a beautiful right cross and then back away to admire his work, in a way all that really needs changing is the mentality but if a coach can help him get there, that’s fine to.

 

[shaz619]

I wont disagree with that, matchroom and AJ’s hype team have done a tremendous job promoting him and building his protected / padded resume up carefully and Ruiz for sure put a number of fears in his head, but Boxing is a dangerous sport and all are aware of the risks, to succeed at the elite level you need an excellent ring IQ and a big heart. What I found interesting was that while part of him adapted his style a little due to the Ruiz loss, it was also due public sentiment on him being a puncher which I found bizarre, anyhow he regrets himself not seeking versatile coaches much earlier; not everyone is built to be able to use lateral movement in a fight and understand how to feint or mix up their aggression and control of space, some are just better placed working behind their jab, planting their feet and taking guys out.

But I don’t think going all guns blazing is the solution as that can play into Usyk’s strengths, he needs to control the fight with his jab at mid-range and unlike in his loss, follow up with combinations when there are openings, if you watched the fight he’d land a beautiful right cross and then back away to admire his work, in a way all that really needs changing is the mentality but if a coach can help him get there, that’s fine to.

Also use the clinch to wear Usyk down and avoid getting hit after landing a combo, there are small tweaks that can help in a big way but these take courage to implement, it’s the mentality of a fighter

 

[WC-Passion]

Have to agree with you on that, there are some who post around here to you probably would have seen.

I watched his interview with Kugan, looks like Eddie forgot to keep him on a leash because AJ was showing his true colours a little more.

What I found most fascinating is how fragile the poor thing is, he doesn’t give interviews etc but he follows everything that is said about him and he gets worked up so easily, Kugan was fairly objective but AJ due to his insecurities got hurt by a number of questions. Also, less mic time for him is a positive because he is an old bore and that promo he tried to cut at the end was full of cringe, anyway ignoring the odd personality, he gave Fury some backhanded compliments (clearly jealous) and his training situation remains a bit of a mystery - he is doing the right thing to make proper changes for once but what I found most fascinating was that he had been adapting his style based on public/fan sentiment that he is just a puncher who is at risk of gassing in the later rounds, in doing so he handicapped one his strengths but a part of that was also the beating which Ruiz gave him and he became more conscious of the fact that he needs to be more defensive in order to pro-long his career, which is fine but you’re not always going to win fights like that against elite opposition.

I do expect him to put in an improved performance but he does find himself between a rock and a hard place at the moment, he needs to sort his training situation immediately and focus on the fight

He's probably on edge answering these questions. This is not like the Ruiz rematch, Usyk isn't going to be fighting him again overweight after partying for ages. He knows that this is probably the biggest hit to career yet if something big doesn't change soon for him, whether it's training schedule or just tactics within the fight itself.

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua is already "physically and mentally" preparing for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, a firm rebuttal to Tyson Fury's hopes of securing his own undisputed fight.

WBC champion Fury's "preference" for his next opponent would be Usyk, in a battle to crown the division's No 1 heavyweight, rather than Dillian Whyte, his promoter Bob Arum had told Sky Sports.

"AJ is already in camp physically and mentally for the Usyk rematch, and it's all he has thought about since the night of the first fight," his promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports.

"I have a meeting planned with [Usyk's promoter] Alex Krassyuk to start working on proposed venues for the spring rematch.

"It's a huge fight and we believe AJ can become a three-time world heavyweight champion."

Usyk delivered a masterclass to win the IBF, WBA and WBO belts from Joshua who immediately triggered his right to a rematch.

"We have three options under consideration: the UK, Ukraine and the Middle East," Usyk's promoter Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully by the end of 2021, we will be in the position to take the final decision."

A WBC deadline for Fury and Usyk to agree an undisputed title fight has since expired - they were never in talks because of Joshua's swift decision to exercise his rematch clause.

The same WBC ruling claimed, if no deal was struck between Fury and Usyk, then Fury would be forced to face the interim champion, Dillian Whyte.

But the WBC opted not to name a mandatory challenger for Fury this week, despite the expectation that they could end Whyte's long wait for an opportunity.

Fury's US-based promoter Arum told Sky Sports: "Whyte is an excellent fighter. When the time comes, and it will come soon, for Tyson to figure out his next opponent, then Whyte should be at the top of the list."

Arum's suggestion which Joshua's promoter Hearn has now responded to was: "The alternative is that if Joshua decides not to exercise his rematch against Usyk and decides to step aside, the fight we would like to make is between Usyk and Fury," Arum said.

"That is a fight to unify the titles once and for all.

"Then Joshua can fight the winner of the undisputed fight.

"Whyte can stand in line and fight the winner ultimately.

"That's what Tyson would like. And I represent Tyson. That is his preference.

"If they want to fight each other, which I believe they do? I would facilitate it."

Joshua's preparation to face Usyk again has seen him travel to the United States for training sessions with Robert Garcia, Virgil Hunter, Eddy Reynoso and Ronnie Shields.

SKY

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua says he remains "angry at myself" after losing to Oleksandr Usyk but "it's fuelling me every day".

Joshua, 32, surrendered the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles to the Ukrainian, 34, in September after just the second defeat of his career.

A rematch is "in the pipeline" and expected to be staged in early 2022, when Joshua aims to avenge that loss and become a three-time world champion.

"I know I can be better than that night," the Briton told BBC Sport.

"It's easier to say than it is to do, but within my heart and soul, my brain and body, I truly feel I've got a lot more to give.

"I'm angry. It's growing, but it's fuelling me every day."

"I think people still recognise me as champion, even though I haven't got the belts round my waist. They know I've got the capability of becoming champion."

Joshua won his rematch with American Andy Ruiz in 2019 to become a two-time champion and has been training with new coaches in the United States as he bids to win the titles back again.

"I had to make changes," admitted Joshua. "If you remain the same, you get the same results.

"I've got to look at myself, I can only be accountable for me. I'm angry at myself and the only way I can be in a better place is to get myself right by going out there and performing. It's going to be like this for a few months.

"I do things with a smile on my face, but behind that there's a lot of tension brewing and the only way to get it out is by training and performing."

Defeat by Usyk dashed Joshua's immediate hopes of a unification bout with Tyson Fury, who won his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder in October to retain his WBC belt, but Joshua remains hopeful of one day facing his fellow Briton.

"When that fight happens, it happens," he said. "There's been one hurdle then another. I can't keep chasing what's not in front of me.

"What's in front of me is to become three-time heavyweight champion of the world, and that's the motivation."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/59495503

 

[James]

AJ boxed very badly in his most recent bout. He needs to use that as a spur to come back otherwise I fear he will be pretty much done.

 

[shokz1408]

AJ boxed very badly in his most recent bout. He needs to use that as a spur to come back otherwise I fear he will be pretty much done.

Even with a loss, he will have wilder who’s off a loss to fury. Even then wilder KOs Joshua with his power I think. However if Joshua were to win that I believe he’d get a shot at fury. I’m not really sure how he can beat usyk tho, won’t be able to outbox him, and the guy can take a punch and can give too.

 

[Firebat]

Anthony Joshua on 'the road' to Tyson Fury and why Oleksandr Usyk defeat 'hurt': 'I belong as a champion'

Anthony Joshua has warned Tyson Fury that he will "get onto the road to being the undisputed champion" and ensure they finally meet in the ring.

Joshua is first set for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk where he aims to avenge defeat and claw back his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships.

WBC champion Fury has been ordered by the governing body to negotiate a mandatory defence against Dillian Whyte.

Joshua intends to rectify the dream all-British undisputed title fight: "I was supposed to fight [Fury] last August.

"If I don't fight the guy I'm supposed to fight, I want the next best.

"Usyk came up from cruiserweight - a great fighter, a 12-round fighter.

"There was always this stigma saying that I can't box - that I was a big, stiff bodybuilder.

"I said: 'Okay, cool'.

"Usyk won nine rounds, I won three.

"In the next fight, if I win four more rounds then I will win. Let me simplify that matter.

"Then I'll get onto the road to being the undisputed champion again."

Joshua is aiming for a third reign as world heavyweight champion - his first was shockingly cut short by Andy Ruiz Jr, a result which he avenged just six months later.

He faces a far tougher challenge against the undefeated Usyk, a former Olympic gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight champion and one of only three fighters to win the world title in boxing's biggest two weight divisions.

But Joshua is bullish: "I belong on the big stage. I belong as a champion, I belong among the names of this current generation. You will see why.

"If I didn't fight the best, I may not have lost.

"People have high expectations of me, so they are shocked. I have high expectations too.

"When I lost the first time I never made excuses but I had my reason.

"I took my loss but I knew I would get it back.

"But this one hurt. There were no problems, I just lost to the better man on the night. But it gave me motivation to pull myself out of that position.

"I will redeem myself."

Joshua has been training in the US and Dubai with various experienced trainers - including Ronnie Shields, Virgil Hunter and Eddy Reynoso - although long-time trainer Rob McCracken remains a part of his team.

He said about improvements for the Usyk rematch: "Game-plan, mind-set, brain training, sparring, our approach, dietary needs, sleep, recovery, motivational speeches.

"This is the biggest stage of my career."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...sandr-usyk-defeat-hurt-i-belong-as-a-champion

 

[MenInG]

Anthony Joshua is set to discuss a "number of options" on Tuesday, amid speculation that he could step aside to allow an undisputed world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua had activated a rematch clause to fight Usyk again for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts, but The Daily Telegraph has reported that the British star could agree a £15m deal which would allow the Ukrainian to face WBC king Fury instead.

Fury is yet to agree a mandatory defence of his WBC title against Dillian Whyte, with purse bids set to be scheduled on Wednesday if the two fighters cannot finalise terms.

Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: "I'm meeting with AJ and 258 management [on Tuesday] to go through plans for his next fight.

Speaking in October, Tyson Fury's promoter Frank Warren said Anthony Joshua should not rematch Oleksandr Usyk so Fury can fight the Ukrainian in an undisputed world heavyweight title fight.

"We have a number of proposals and options to discuss.

"The goal remains the same of course - to re-capture the world heavyweight crown."

Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk has told Sky Sports that he is still awaiting confirmation of the Fury fight, or a rematch with Joshua.

"We are in talks regarding Fury fight since November," Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

"And though AJ gave his consent (according to Telegraph) we still have not reached the final point in negotiations. And unless we get it - AJ rematch remains the basic option for us."

Tyson Fury's promoter Bob Arum is keen for them to unify the heavyweight division by beating Oleksandr Usyk before they take on Dillian Whyte.

Usyk became the new unified world champion in September after a points victory over Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

SKY