By: Sean Crose
Does former WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua have what it takes to as soon as once more sit atop the heavyweight division? That’s the query that’s on the minds of followers and analysts alike because the towering Englishman prepares for an August twelfth rematch towards outdated foe Dillian Whyte. While Joshua gained his final struggle, a unanimous choice win over Jermaine Franklin in April, the person hasn’t seemed dominant since he stopped Kubrat Pulev again in late 2020. There was the lack of his titles to Oleksandr Usyk the next September, then one other loss to Usyk slightly below a 12 months later. Then a weird, rambling discuss on the ring mic after that struggle had ended.
It had clearly been a very long time since Joshua seemed to be “the man” within the heavyweight division. Not all that way back, fighters like Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury appeared pressured to have to attend their flip earlier than combating the favored Joshua. Even after being shocked by Andy Ruiz in his American debut, Joshua well determined to field his option to victory within the rematch, subsequently exhibiting the world that he was greater than only a energy puncher. He was lastly set to struggle Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world when phrase got here out that Fury was legally sure to face Deontay Wilder for a 3rd time as a substitute.
And the remaining, as they are saying, is historical past.
First got here the loss to former cruiserweight kingpin Usyk, then got here the loss within the rematch, accompanied by that rambling spiel on the ring mic. Things seemed dangerous for Joshua on the time as a result of, frankly, they had been. Now, nonetheless, the person is seeking to change issues up. Whyte is definitely the proper opponent for Joshua to struggle subsequent. He’s overwhelmed the person earlier than, however there’s no assure Joshua can finest Whyte two occasions in a row. At this level, Whyte is simply what Joshua wants, a proficient, robust opponent, one a bit previous his finest days. Should Joshua impress, he ought to be again within the higher echelon of the heavyweight division. Should he lose to Whyte, nonetheless…
‘What’s lovely about sports activities,” the Daily Mail quotes Joshua as saying, “is there’s always a next opportunity to prove yourself, so no matter what happens, there’s a process that I’m following and I just know that if we look at history, everything will work out for me.” At the very least, Joshua appears to have the proper outlook heading into the Whyte rematch, an important ingredient for fulfillment, although admittedly considered one of many.
