Anthony Joshua received support from a surprising source yesterday, with former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder coming out and backing Joshua to re-emerge as an improved fighter after losing out to Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah.
However, Wilder told Sky Sports that Joshua will need to address an issue that has pestered the Brit throughout his career – his stamina.
“I just think Joshua was very cautious in what he did as far as exchanging punches [with Usyk]. I always forever said it, as I see it, he has a big stamina problem.”
“I think if he can correct that, I think you will see a different Joshua. You won’t see one that’s so hesitant to throw punches and do things especially when he had Usyk, was close to getting him out of there.”
“I think he was just a little fearful of running out of gas too quick and too fast and he held back a little bit.”
Fans were expecting Joshua to jump straight back in at the deep end against Tyson Fury, however it appears talks for a December 3rd meeting are now dead with Fury saying he’s ‘had enough’ of negotiations.
Whilst this is disappointing for the public, it may serve Joshua better in the long term and give him more time to address holes in his game – such as the cardio issue Wilder refers to.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ himself is also on the rebuild, as he takes to the ring on October 15th for the first time since losing for a second time to Tyson Fury, facing dangerous Finn Robert Helenius.