Frank Bruno has long been compared to British heavyweight Anthony Joshua and now the much-loved former world champion has given his views on a potential match-up with Deontay Wilder later this year or early next.
Joshua is on the rebuild right now after back-to-back losses to WBA, WBO and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk and a laboured points win over Jermaine Franklin back in April.
Most recently this past weekend, he seemed to be a little gun-shy in the early stages against Robert Helenius until he pulled out a massive overhand right and put the Nordic Nightmare to sleep in the 7th round.
Talking to IFL TV before the fight, Bruno said Joshua needed to look “sensational” against Helenius.
“Because everybody is on his case saying he hasn’t done this, he hasn’t done that. What he needs to do is look spectacular and give himself a bit more confidence because I think the British press has been a bit harsh on him lately.
On the likely matchup with Wilder, Bruno made it clear he thinks it’s coming too soon for ‘AJ’.
“He needs to have a few more fights to get his confidence up then when he goes in there he can do the damage.
That fight I think it’s a couple of fights too early. Especially as how he’s feeling mentally. He needs to get his head right, his foundation right, and he can go forward then. That’s all he needs.
Bruno was then asked about a fight with Tyson Fury further down the line.
“I’d love to see that fight. But AJ hasn’t got to rush that fight you know. Tyson’s desperate. He wants to get him in the ring as quick as possible and make as much money. But Joshua don’t have to rush. Just take his time and learn his trade.”
Despite Bruno’s advice, it seems the super fight between Wilder and Joshua will indeed be going ahead next after Wilder commented that he was glad to see Joshua get the knockout of Helenius.