Member International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) British boxing legend Carl Froch doesn’t seem to have much faith in the prospects of compatriot heavyweight Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs).
After the end of his sports career, Froch remained in boxing – he comments on fights for Sky Sports. According to him, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing) made the right decision by organizing an intermediate fight with American Jermain Franklin for his star – they will fight on April 1 at O2 Arena in London (England).
“Would you do it differently? Froch was surprised. – I? I definitely wouldn’t put Joshua against Deontay Wilder. This is a very dangerous fight for him. This is a fight he will lose, and by knockout. I don’t see how Joshua can compete with him or Tyson Fury. At least at this point in my career.”
Joshua lost two fights in a row to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, losing his WBA Super, IBF and WBO titles. Froch believes that Franklin AJ will not be easy: “It’s a good fight. Jermain gave a great fight to Dillian Whyte. There is nothing wrong with the fact that this particular fighter was chosen for the comeback fight after Usyk’s two defeats in a row. I think Anthony is entitled to one moderate interim fight. But it’s not an easy situation for him. He has to win.”
Froch even speculated about who Joshua would fight after Franklin: “Who? Wilder – definitely not – too risky. Fury? No, I don’t think he can beat him. Perhaps he will fight White. But the problem is that he has already fought with him and won. Moreover, the defeat from Fury and the competitive battle with Franklin White showed his real level. But I understand that for PPV, the Joshua vs White fight is exactly what is needed. Although, to be honest, it’s sad … ”
Froch’s final verdict: “I don’t know where Joshua’s new run will lead. Title chances? I think this time it will be very difficult to lead him to the title of world champion.
Who do you think is the best heavyweight on the planet? Keep the top 4 from the Olympic champion. Yesterday, Usyk compared Joshua and Fury: “Tyson is more brazen.”