Although the current Anthony Joshua is very much still here and set for a big 2024, Barry McGuigan is looking to the future and has named a man he thinks will be following in ‘AJ’s footsteps.
Joshua is one of the biggest names in the sport and one of the UK’s most prominent sportspeople. His rise since turning pro has coincided with a boxing boom and following a couple of setback losses he is now back to winning ways.
He is ready to take on Francis Ngannou next on March 8 on his quest to become a three time world champion, following his stoppage victory over Otto Wallin in December.
Writing in his column for The Mirror, former champion turned promoter McGuigan had plenty of praise for one of three British boxers who has already qualified for the Olympic Games which are scheduled for Paris this summer.
“Delicious Orie is about to embark on the biggest year of his life. The super-heavyweight medal hope booked his place in July with gold at the European Championships.
“Now it’s all about fine-tuning. I had a lovely evening with him at the Pride of Britain awards. He’s a clever kid. A fluent Russian speaker having spent his first seven years there and the owner of a first-class honours degree in economics and management.”
Similar to the likes of Joshua and Joe Joyce, super-heavyweight Orie was something of a late starter who only began boxing aged 18.
He is 6ft 6 with a long reach and good speed and currently trains with Team GB in Sheffield, and McGuigan thinks Orie can also emulate those men by picking up a medal at the Summer Games.
“He is in great hands. The guys in Sheffield know how to get our fighters ready. Orie will arrive in Paris full of confidence, punching hard and as fit as he can be.”