Teddy Atlas had some choice words for Anthony Joshua this week, calling the Brit’s resume into question and describing him as being overrated by fans in the UK.
Speaking on his podcast, THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas, the former trainer’s words are unlikely to land him a place on Joshua’s Christmas card list any time soon.
“With respect, fans in the UK love a good loser.
He [Joshua] knocked out Charles Martin, who’s not on anybody’s list of great fighters, to win the title. He’s been an overrated guy.
I can’t say it any clearer or give you any better reason for it – who has he beat?”
Atlas’ scathing comments come just over a fortnight after AJ’s second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah, where, despite an improved performance in the eyes of many, Joshua failed to recapture the unified heavyweight title.
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has been of the longstanding belief that Joshua has the best resume in the heavyweight division, but Atlas pointed to the nature of the 32 year-old’s losses as reasoning for his belief.
“I say it again – who has he beat? He’s lost – and he’s lost by knockout. Alright, the last two to Usyk, he got hurt, he lost by decision – he showed heart. But he got knocked out by Ruiz who took the fight on last minute notice!
I really believe that Joshua has always been overrated – but he can bring in big money.”
Atlas’ comments will be viewed as harsh by many, especially given the fact Joshua avenged the defeat to Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk is unanimously accepted as one of the best fighters in the entire sport.
Anthony Joshua is once again a name on everyone’s lips, with hype reaching fever pitch once again over the potential of a fight with Tyson Fury – with the touch paper lit earlier this week by Fury’s social media callout of AJ for a meeting in the UK in December.