David Price featured on the latest Boxing Social Podcast with Ali Drew and reflected on Anthony Joshua’s standing in the sport.
During the chat, the former British Heavyweight Champion previewed the upcoming rematch between Usyk and and AJ, speculating on the latter’s mindset going into what might become the most-defining fight of his career.
“I think he’s been cast out in the UK since Tyson Fury has come back and done what he’s done. He’s not the golden boy anymore. I don’t think he likes that.”
“It was mega what he [did] at first, him and Eddie Hearn creating sell out shows and stadiums – it changed boxing. It changed other boxer’s careers, like myself.”
“I think now he’s kind of having to prove himself again. I think it’s hurting him, but also motivating him.”
Joshua shot to super stardom following his Olympic Gold Medal in 2012, and it’s widely stated that he brought British Boxing with him on his journey to new heights. For a time, he was the country’s Heavyweight hope as his rival Tyson Fury fought more personal battles outside the ring.
The return of ‘The Gypsy King’, Price seems to think, split fans down the middle, with many hedging their bets on Fury to keep the glory in British boxing.
Price, ESPN’s Prospect of the Year in 2012, went on to say that the fight being staged in Saudi Arabia may play in AJ’s favour.
“I feel like a lot of people would go and watch him and want him to lose if he was fighting in the UK, whereas that was never the case with Anthony Joshua [before].”
“I think it’s a good thing that it’s away and he can just go and focus on the boxing itself.”
The Liverpool fighter, who was once a sparring partner of Joshua’s, could be onto something. Once regarded as unstoppable by many UK fight fans, Anthony Joshua goes into the rematch – live on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday – as the underdog.