Tweet
Hearn should get Joshua these guys next
I rate AJ very highly, and have done since his first fight, and I think we are seeing a special talent. With that being said, when we see these potential superstars, especially in the HW division, it's often a case of moving them up slowly and maturing them till they are fully 'ripe' to fight for the big titles.
I think Hearn has done a good job so far with the matchmaking in year one, and there is a more visible upward curve with opponents. Hopefully we don't have another Wilder on our hands, and so far it seems we won't.
Now, onto the real point, bearing in mind what we have heard from AJ, Hearn, and what we have seen from the man in his performances, these are the men I think he should fight next, and the reasoning for that. Not counting Sprott on the list as it's pretty much a given that he will get through that with ease.
So... (these are not necessarily in order)
1. Yaroslav Zavorotnyi - the guy went a full 10 rounds with Price, who many believe is one of the hardest hitting HWs around right now, so this would be a good test for AJ ... a well seasoned, very durable guy that SHOULD give him rounds. Also, if he was able to get him out of there, especially early, it would make a good statement in comparison to Price, who is a possible fight for him down the road.
2. Kevin Johnson - a guy that we know rarely comes to win, but he's awkward to face, has been in with top opposition, and is very durable. Good American opponent, and is arguably Fury and Chisora's best win?
3. David Price - not much to say really, a good British face-off that is very likely to end in knockout either way - and a loss could end Price's career as a contender, so he would be very motivated for that. Would be a big win for AJ.
4. Tony Thompson - If The Tiger is still around and relevant, this could be a good step up vs a fairly well known, wily veteran American who is known to derail some up and coming Brit hopes! Been in there with the best in the division currently, but is fading now...would be a good win for AJ.
5. Francesco Pianeta - This guy has fallen off the map a bit, but he is still fairly high rated in the IBO rankings at 16, and only has the 1 defeat to Wlad...so it would be a good test for Joshua v a solid opponent.
6. Alexander Ustinov - a big guy who's been around for a long time and been in with fairly decent opposition, but getting old now. Would be an interesting test for AJ to get in there with someone bigger than him, in terms of height and weight.
7. Tomasz Adamek - a guy that's been around for a long time, a highly experienced and crafty veteran who is sure to stay in there and give you rounds, and keep you working for an entire fight. Would be a good win v a still solid, ranked opponent.
Also possibles: Hammer, Chambers, Mansour, Charr, Gerber, Gavern
So, that is a few names off the top of my head, i'm sure i'm missing some fighters, or perhaps you guys feel these names are too much, too fast...anyhow, post your opinions, and mention anyone else you feel he should face in the near future!
I think Hearn has done a good job so far with the matchmaking in year one, and there is a more visible upward curve with opponents. Hopefully we don't have another Wilder on our hands, and so far it seems we won't.
Now, onto the real point, bearing in mind what we have heard from AJ, Hearn, and what we have seen from the man in his performances, these are the men I think he should fight next, and the reasoning for that. Not counting Sprott on the list as it's pretty much a given that he will get through that with ease.
So... (these are not necessarily in order)
1. Yaroslav Zavorotnyi - the guy went a full 10 rounds with Price, who many believe is one of the hardest hitting HWs around right now, so this would be a good test for AJ ... a well seasoned, very durable guy that SHOULD give him rounds. Also, if he was able to get him out of there, especially early, it would make a good statement in comparison to Price, who is a possible fight for him down the road.
2. Kevin Johnson - a guy that we know rarely comes to win, but he's awkward to face, has been in with top opposition, and is very durable. Good American opponent, and is arguably Fury and Chisora's best win?
3. David Price - not much to say really, a good British face-off that is very likely to end in knockout either way - and a loss could end Price's career as a contender, so he would be very motivated for that. Would be a big win for AJ.
4. Tony Thompson - If The Tiger is still around and relevant, this could be a good step up vs a fairly well known, wily veteran American who is known to derail some up and coming Brit hopes! Been in there with the best in the division currently, but is fading now...would be a good win for AJ.
5. Francesco Pianeta - This guy has fallen off the map a bit, but he is still fairly high rated in the IBO rankings at 16, and only has the 1 defeat to Wlad...so it would be a good test for Joshua v a solid opponent.
6. Alexander Ustinov - a big guy who's been around for a long time and been in with fairly decent opposition, but getting old now. Would be an interesting test for AJ to get in there with someone bigger than him, in terms of height and weight.
7. Tomasz Adamek - a guy that's been around for a long time, a highly experienced and crafty veteran who is sure to stay in there and give you rounds, and keep you working for an entire fight. Would be a good win v a still solid, ranked opponent.
Also possibles: Hammer, Chambers, Mansour, Charr, Gerber, Gavern
So, that is a few names off the top of my head, i'm sure i'm missing some fighters, or perhaps you guys feel these names are too much, too fast...anyhow, post your opinions, and mention anyone else you feel he should face in the near future!
Comment