Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch has had a lot to say about Anthony Joshua recently, and now he’s claimed the former unified heavyweight champion should never have won his Olympic Gold medal in London back in the summer of 2012.
That historic victory over a decade ago remains a defining moment in Joshua’s career and was the springboard for him to head into the pro ranks despite relatively limited amateur experience.
Though Joshua quickly battled his way to the top of the division and three world title belts, he lost those to Ukrainian, Oleksandr Usyk, in back-to-back defeats.
Recently, Froch said he ‘knows’ why Joshua lost those match-ups, citing his inability to listen to trainer Rob McCracken.
And now speaking on Up Front With Simon Jordan, the Nottingham pugilist says Joshua has “over-achieved” in his career and that he believes he lost the first fight of his gold medal run back in 2012.
“Fair play to [Joshua,] that’s not a criticism, he’s over-achieved.
He’s won an Olympic Gold medal when many people, not just me, thought he lost his first fight against a Cuban.
Then he won a very close fight against an Italian – he won on a countback, on a split decision. Fair play to him, he’s then turned professional with limited amateur experience and he’s had a fantastic career.”
Joshua won 17:16 against Cuban Erislandy Savón, with many at the time baffled by the result and some calling it a ‘home decision robbery’. He went on to claim the gold against Roberto Cammarelle in the final.