Joshua's response to an interviewer who asked how would he fare against a prime Tyson. Props to AJ for giving the humble, and correct response.
Joshua lines up with other champions before him who have given similar statements, such as Tyson himself about Holmes. I don't believe Joshua actually thinks that anymore Tyson did, nor do I think it is true
Joshua has always been massively respectful towards former heavyweight champions, and has never hid his love for Tyson. Whilst I personally agree with his take, as Ugo says this isn't really anything new. Ali said the same thing about Marciano for example.
While I don't put much weight in fighter's prediction of fights involving them, in this case, it's absolutely true. Joshua is pretty much garbage competing in an era where hw consists of goons and failed athletes from other sports. Razor Ruddock, let alone Tyson, would destroy him.
Tyson is too quick for Joshua, who quite frankly doesn't fight tall. Joshua's aggression will be his undoing against a prime Tyson
Whilst I think Tyson does indeed fuck up Joshua, I think AJ's being a bit undersold here. The guy literally first stepped into a boxing gym 9 years ago, the progress made in that time is not to be scoffed at. Mythical match ups are irritating because at the end of the day nothing can ever be proven definitively, but he should really be assessed towards the end of his career, the guy is only 19 fights in and he's getting pitted against phenoms like Tyson.
agREED... Joshua from the Olympics Doesn't Compare to the Guy who Beat Wlad...Joshua w/9 Pro Fights Doesn't Compare to Joshua w/19 Pro Fights...And Joshua of Today Won't Compare to Joshua w/29-30 Pro Fights... Right Now, Tyson Beats him 8 or 9 Times Out of 10, All by KO...But that Shit Could Even Out by the Time Joshua's Putting the Finishing Touches on his Career... REED
Same comparison could be made with Wlad. I think a somewhat green AJ beat a past prime Wlad, and AJ will get better. Must also be said, a young AJ handles adversity in a fight better than a young Wlad. I think AJ would have been able to handle Sanders and Brewster.
I remember how much big Lennox was getting slated when he was starting out. Most "experts" would have laughed you out of the room if you'd suggested the guy was going to end up as an all-time great heavyweight back when he was fighting at domestic level. Worth pointing out as well that hardly any former great heavyweight fought a guy like Wlad (past prime or not) in their 19th fight.
AJ has the potential to be something special, but he has a lot of work to do. He was looking to be well on his way to losing against Wlad, and only Wladerina brittle chin and cowardice enabled him to remain undefeated. I'm not even sure I would make him a fav against juiced up povetkin (though this fight won't happend for obvious reason)
I believe he refers to the fact that Wlad didn't go for the kill. That, added up to earlier made up history
