Promoter Eddie Hearn has drawn comparisons between his heavyweight star Anthony Joshua and the latest Matchroom marquee addition Canelo Alvarez.
The Brit and the Mexican are at the top of their game these days. Since the shocking defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 Joshua has avenged that loss in New York and last year disposed of his IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev in impressive fashion.
Four-weight champion Canelo has gone from strength to strength over the years and has shown no signs of letting up. Last December he outclassed Callum Smith to become unified super middleweight champion and last month proved Avni Yildirim doesn’t belong in a ring with him in a WBC mandatory defence.
“I see similarities, not in the ring, between him and Canelo,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“Two guys who came from nothing, who have built their legacies, who have the same hunger now as when they first walked into a gym. That’s what makes a winner.
“Joshua is constantly trying to evolve. When you walk into Canelo’s dressing room after a fight he is talking to [his trainer] Eddy Reynoso about how he can improve.”
Joshua, who holds three of the four heavyweight titles, is preparing for the biggest fight of his career against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The undisputed showdown appears to be closer than ever to being finalised and announced after months of negotiations.
“He is so focused,” Hearn said. “Although he’d tell you that he’s training just to improve as a fighter, I know that all he’s thinking about is Fury.
“I love the work he’s doing, the improvements he’s making, the mindset.
“Fury is a fantastic fighter, but AJ will do a job on him.”