Tyson Fury’s comfortable out-boxing of Dereck Chisora earned him mandatory status for a shot at Wladimir Klitschko’s heavyweight throne. It was a clean and unemotional display, not one we have often seen from Fury, but although he may be closest to his world title shot, he is not the UK heavyweight this writer will be keeping an eye on in 2015. That man is Anthony Joshua, and here are the top 4 reasons why I believe he, not Fury, is the heavyweight heir to Klitschko.
[Also See: Future Super Fight – Deontay Wilder vs. Anthony Joshua]
He possesses athleticism and technique
One thing that is instantly evident when watching Joshua is his imposing physique. A hulking figure if ever there was one, Joshua possesses surprisingly fast hands. He marries this athleticism with sound technique in a combination few modern heavyweights seem able to achieve.
He’s no Larry Holmes, but he has good fundamentals – a stiff jab, judgement of distance and timing, and he doesn’t appear to be slow on his feet.
He’s calm, composed and clinical
Joshua’s record reads as one early knockout after the other. Simply reading the resume may give the impression that Joshua is a wild gunslinger, desperate to use his power at the slightest opportunity. The reality is quite contrary.
Joshua is calmly measured in his approach and, even when his opponent is in trouble, does not appear overly hurried to get his man out of there. He doesn’t tend to force the issue beyond what is necessary, but when the chance arises he lowers the boom.
He’s grounded and willing to learn
Personal traits are hard to gauge when they generally manifest themselves beyond the limelight, but Joshua’s public appearances and post-fight interviews convey a man at peace with himself and dedicated to self-improvement.
So much is perhaps clear just by looking at the young prospect, but Joshua is keen to reflect on his performances immediately after the event, and is honest in identifying mistakes. Unlike so many other up-and-comers, he doesn’t just fill the room with hot air when he opens his mouth.
He’s exciting to watch
It probably doesn’t matter too much to him, but Joshua is fun to watch. His style is methodically aggressive, but not inert like other heavyweight technicians. He likes to get involved and throw punches in bunches, and that tends to win the hearts of the casual fan.
That style can only win him more fans in the long run. The heavyweight division has been dominated by conservative behemoths and overweight giants, someone like Joshua who is attacking with his size and conscious of his diet makes a real change.
Joshua exudes the qualities to be a breath of fresh air in the heavyweight division today. He’s still learning, but with Eddie Hearn suggesting he fight Tyson Fury in the not-to-distant future, I expect him to make breakthrough in 2015. Fury may get his shot, but I’m far more confident of Joshua becoming the UK’s next heavyweight icon.
