By Terence Dooley
Former undisputed heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis has told London’s Anthony Joshua that he has to conquer his U.K. rivals in order to become the main man in the division. Lewis maintains that both Tyson Fury and David Haye are one and two respectively in Britain, but he also added that we have yet to see the best of Joshua.
Joshua has raced to 17-0 (17 KOs) since turning pro in 2013. The 26-year-old has won and defended the IBF belt—KO 2 and TKO 7 over Charles Martin and Dominic Breazeale—and looks set to tackle undefeated mandatory challenger Joseph Parker next time out, which means he will have taken on five undefeated fighters in as many fights.
Lewis, though, still tabs Fury as the main man based on his decision win over then-Champion Wlad Klitschko in Germany in November. “Fury is the man because he beat the man—Wladimir Klitschko,” stated Lewis when speaking to The Sun.
“And then I would have to say Haye is next in line and third, it's Joshua. He's just coming from the Olympics. You have to take your place. He's really only just getting used to the ring and honing his tools and skills. We haven't seen the best of Anthony but we will. Everything can change on just one fight. Anthony can prove himself by beating the likes of Fury and Haye.”
Haye has lined up a fall meeting with Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs, the third fight of his comeback, whereas Fury has still got to face Klitschko in a contractually binding rematch in November following the postponement of their July date due to an ankle injury sustained by the Champion.
A brace of wins for Haye and Fury coupled with Joshua’s continued form could lead to a round robin of meaningful British heavyweight fights, provided of course that promotional differences and ties can be put to one side to make them happen.
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