Boxing analyst and coach, Teddy Atlas, believes Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn will steer clear of a ‘concussion puncher’ when choosing their next opponent.
Joshua is at a critical stage in his career. After soaring to the top of the table following his Olympic success, the Watford heavyweight lost his unification title to Oleksandr Usyk as he was just one step away from reaching his final goal of being become undisputed.
With a second loss to Usyk on his record Having now removed him from the title list, ‘AJ’ is looking for an opponent that will test him and help him continue to improve.
The name must also help position him well for a future challenge of becoming a three-time world champion.
Talk about him The struggle podcast, Atlas says Joe Joyce has no chance of being called up for that fight.
“There’s no way on God’s Earth – no way – Joshua and his promoter will make it to the ring… they won’t be within 10 feet of Joyce in that boxing ring. No way.”
Why? Atlas simply rates ‘The Juggernaut’ as one of the best in the department.
“I said this guy is a player. This guy has a granite chin. He reminds me of a younger Foreman – although I have to be careful with that since he’s 38. But Joyce reminds me of George Foreman when he was in his first life before coming back.
Just a big guy, a heavy puncher, a concussion puncher. Not a nimble puncher… just a blunt puncher that deals damage. He’s so big. He is non-stop. Like I said, so far he has a great heart, a great chin. I called for this guy to be in there instead of some of the others to do the shoot.
While ‘AJ’ and Joyce may not face off next, or even the fight after, It’s still a domestic clash that fans want to see. With all the top contenders now looking to make a statement, 2023 looks like an important year for the big boys.
