Mike Tyson is adamant that Anthony Joshua can mount a successful comeback in the heavyweight division.
After losing his unified titles to Andy Ruiz Jr in his first main event slot across the pond, ‘AJ’ won the belts back in an immediate rematch.
He knocked out mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev, before moving into what would be the toughest two fights of his career so far – former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian outclassed Joshua in their first bout, and won again in the second, putting the Brit firmly out of the heavyweight title picture for the first time in some years.
Now, faced with a rebuilding, some fans are questioning if he has the drive left to make it to the top again. ‘Iron’ Mike – the youngest heavyweight champion in history – is in no doubt.
The boxing great told IFL TV that there was still plenty for Joshua to learn when he was asked if a successful comeback was on the cards.
“Definitely. He learned late in life, so he can still learn. He has so much to do and he can learn so much. That’s why I don’t want him to be discouraged.”
Mike Tyson had six losses on his record, and has stated that defeat is what really makes a fighter.
Joshua, it seems, must now adopt a similar mindset should he want to challenge for the titles to become a three-time champ. His first test is in the form of American heavyweight, Jermaine Franklin, on April 1.
Franklin was previously undefeated before losing a closely-fought contest to Dillian Whyte back in November, and is coming to win despite the odds being stacked against him.
For fans, the fight is a chance to see Joshua’s new training partnership with highly-regarded trainer, Derrick James, in action.