Wladimir Klitschko: Joshua has one of the greatest potentials I have ever seen

[Hougigo]

He actually gets me excited about the division.... Staying active and moving up in competition

[Hougigo]

I am not sold on Joshua hes a bit Bruno esque minus the power.

Almost a big, sluggish version of Kell Brook.
Then again its probably all that is needed to exceed in what is truly a pathetically weak HW scene. I mean look at Wilder & how far size, power and some careful matchmaking can take you.
Be interesting to see how he develops but as of right now I don't see 'great' potential.

It really is weak

[LacedUp]

I am not sold on Joshua hes a bit Bruno esque minus the power.

Almost a big, sluggish version of Kell Brook.
Then again its probably all that is needed to exceed in what is truly a pathetically weak HW scene. I mean look at Wilder & how far size, power and some careful matchmaking can take you.
Be interesting to see how he develops but as of right now I don't see 'great' potential.

Minus the power?

I actually like the comparison to Kell Brook, but I wouldn't say he's sluggish. He picks his shots well - I just think against the fighters he fights now, he knows he's on a different level.

It still has to count for something that someone like Klitschko can spar with him and say something like that.

[SkillspayBills]

3-5 years from now Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder for the Unified Heavyweight championship of the world. Will make Tyson-Bruno look like a kid's play.

[dan_cov]

Minus the power?

I actually like the comparison to Kell Brook, but I wouldn't say he's sluggish. He picks his shots well - I just think against the fighters he fights now, he knows he's on a different level.

It still has to count for something that someone like Klitschko can spar with him and say something like that.

He doesn't strike me as a huge puncher for some reason. Good, accurate puncher he obviously has power but he just doesn't strike me as a great HW puncher. I don't feel he has one punch power.

He is stepping up quickly, Bakhtov is a very good step up and hopefully he continues to improve but he strikes me as a bit basic and slow on his feet.
I just haven't seen anything that has impressed me thus far but its still early days.
Maybe too soon but I would like to see him in with a Takam, Mansour in 5-6 fights time. The guys he is fighting atm aren't doing anything to help with his progression, just looks like he is stuck in first gear.
A lot will say that is too soon but a legitimate HW prospect should be dealing with those guys 15 fights into their career. Nothing special about either.

[hugh grant]

Its good to hear these things about Josh. When I first saw Josh at the Olympics I didn't think much of him, and thought he was only successful because of home comforts and it was in England.

But my first impressions aren't right this time I think, hes better than I thought.

[Scott9945]

Saw that.

A lot of people said the same about David Price though.

Joshua seems a lot more fluid and natural in the ring than Price. But of course, until he proves his chin and stamina he could be just another front runner who will fold up in a tough fight.

[IronDanHamza]

Joshua seems a lot more fluid and natural in the ring than Price. But of course, until he proves his chin and stamina he could be just another front runner who will fold up in a tough fight.

Oh yeah, he looks better than Price to me.

But I thought Price was quite good aswell.

[Scott9945]

Oh yeah, he looks better than Price to me.

But I thought Price was quite good aswell.

Yeah, I have to admit that Price fooled me too.

[Elroy1]

Saw that.

A lot of people said the same about David Price though.

Price was a lost cause from the start. There was never any substance to the Price hype.

Joshua has much greater potential.

The only problem I have with Joshua is his complete lack of any pedigree.

Never in recent history has any boxer come from a ammy background of 31-3, who'se only had a single digit list of pro fights now as well, in early-mid 20's and became a "dominant" force in the division.

Sure, there are guys who have captured titles from that position. Hasim Rahman comes to mind, very good boxer, very strong and athletic guy with huge power. But they can never hold onto them for long and they don't respond the same way to in ring adversity.

Joshua will lack the boxing brain of seasoned fighters. He might become technically great but it will be mainly cerebral, not autonomic. He will rely heavily on his size, athleticism and strength to get him over the line greatly.

I like him and think he'll do well..

But the next Lennox Lewis or Klitschko, he is not.