Heavyweight has that fighting instinct
Tuesday 26 May 2015 17:03, UK
Carl Froch knows Anthony Joshua well and expects him to not only beat Kevin Johnson, but go all the way to the very top...
Anthony Joshua is a class act.
Of course he is an Olympic gold medallist but ever since he turned pro, he has performed brilliantly. He has been so professional.
Sometimes he can't help himself and believe me, he does get the hump and he's got this fighting instinct, that bit between his teeth you need in professional boxing.
I know he's been knocking them over for fun but let's be honest, especially as a heavyweight, that is what you do when you join the paid ranks.
Joshua has had a few easy wins but you need that to find your feet and get into the pro game, but the way he has done all of that has oozed class.
And even after 12 fights and with Kevin Johnson to come, it's difficult to say he is not going to become a world champion. In fact Anthony Joshua has world champion written all over him.
He is my mate and we've known each other from training in Sheffield but I am not being biased with this one.
He is big, strong, fast, well-schooled and had Rob McCracken training him as an amateur - and trained him well - and now, as a professional, he is looking brilliant.
Johnson is his toughest test so far and even if he is not known for his knockouts, any heavyweight has a chance. But having seen AJ spar, he can take shots, too. Big shots.
Johnson is a big, strong heavyweight with plenty of experience and he is going to know how to mess Joshua around and give him something to think about, but I don't think he is enough of a threat to cause an upset.
I know AJ wants to get some rounds in the bag and I can see him dominating him - it's just whether or not he goes for the stoppage.
Sometimes he can't help himself and believe me, he does get the hump and he's got this fighting instinct, that bit between his teeth you need in professional boxing.
He will win. It's just what he decides to do on the night.
Watch Joshua v Johnson live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, with Mitchell and Selby also on. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavin
