Anthony Joshua must turn pro says Frank Warren

Britain’s golden boy Anthony Joshua claimed super-heavyweight gold medal at the London Olympic 2012 last week but he refused to turn pro because he intends to stay as an amateur in order to go after World Championship crown.

Boxing promoter Frank Warren however wants Joshua to turn pro since he reckons the 22-year-old has the potential of becoming the fastest-ever world heavyweight champion.

“Anthony Joshua looked mightily impressive striking gold for Britain in the blue riband super-heavyweight division – just as I predicted he would before the competition started,” Warren said in his Sun column.

In 2008 Olympics, Warren moved to sign pugilists like James DeGale but he feels Joshua will overshadow all of them, if he gets on the right track in the near future.

While sharing thoughts with the media, Warren commended Anthony Joshua’s skills.

“However, suggestions that the 6ft 6in, 18 stone Watford banger’s development would be best served by remaining in the unpaid code are flawed. ‘Big Josh’ has already defeated the best available amateur opposition and needs the fresh challenges that a pro career would offer, to prevent going stale.

“He has the power and stamina to become world heavyweight champion quicker than anyone previously.”

He added, “Meanwhile the Post Office have issued stamps to honour all 29 British gold medallists at London 2012 that includes Joshua and Luke Campbell – that’s the only way these two will get licked.”

Joshua won the men’s super heavyweight (+91kgs) gold on count-back against defending champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy after their bout finished on 18-all on Sunday.

It was a very impressive performance from the Brit since he overturned a three-point deficit heading into the final round to clinch the narrowest of victories for his country.

After winning the medal, Joshua, who only took boxing four years ago, revealed that his plans are to defend his title in 2016 and he is not going to turn pro till then.

Well, all said and done, Frank Warren is certainly a very big name in the sport so let’s see if Anthony Joshua reconsiders his decision.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=31236

Posted by Imran Shaukat Khan on Aug 22 2012. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.