Former 3-weight world champion, James ‘Lights Out’ Toney has suggested that Anthony Joshua needs to step up and come to America to test himself on the biggest of stages.
Why doesn’t he come over to the States? Is everybody scared?” Toney asked on Sky Sports’ Toe 2 Toe podcast.
“Come to the United States to see if you’re a great fighter or not, because the US has got the best. The best has got to fight the best. Boxing is in the United States, not the UK, so if you want to be known for your real-boy skills, you have to come to the US.”
Reach for all that’s possible! @visitdubai#AJBXNGpic.twitter.com/1mHFNetXGy
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) November 22, 2017
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter has suggested that it will be difficult to organise a fight in America in front of a capacity crowd of around 10,000 fans; given he can command vastly bigger audiences in his home nation.
In comparison to what Joshua can do in the UK, in his last two bouts we’ve seen him amass crowds of 78,000 at the Principality Stadium in October. Joshua and Klitschko also commanded a crowd of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium in April.
Many of the great champions of the past have travelled the globe during their title reigns. Many have felt it necessary to test their skills against the best all over the world to truly embody the definition of a ‘world champion’.
Toney touching on his own career trajectory added “I’ve gone to Italy, Japan, I’ve been everywhere, all you have to do is put your big-boy pants on and come to the United States and get your ass whooped or you will smash him. Either.”
Congratulations Danny Jacobs. You are my new favorite fighter. Straight to the top!!!… https://t.co/GJu2lq5XJr
— James Toney (@RealJamesToney) November 13, 2017
Toney also shared a prophecy he told Joshua when they met in 2013.
“I met Joshua when he was 2-0. Back then I said to him ‘you’re going to be a world champion’ and to this day, he is,” Toney added.
Toney also touched on WBC heavyweight champion, who Toney actually has experience of sparring with while he was campaigning in the heavyweight weight class.
“I’ve had a few rounds with Deontay Wilder, and he wasn’t great, but to me, it’s not a love-hate situation,” Toney commented.
When pressed on what he thinks will happen when Wilder and Joshua collide, Toney shared his assertion that whoever lands the first telling blow will be firmly in the driving seat.
“Who wins? It could be Wilder or Joshua. It’s a 50-50, whoever lands the first meaningful one, wins,” Toney concluded.
Sophia is getting lonely. She needs some sister wives. @anthonyfjoshua … don’t wait, make the date MATE. #BombZquad#THEHeavyweightChampionOfTheWorld#SophiaTheBelt#WilderJoshua#Undisputedpic.twitter.com/Tj30vssEGI
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) November 20, 2017
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