HAD Anthony Joshua fought Dillian Whyte on Saturday night a few important questions surrounding AJ may have been answered.
Does he still have the ruthlessness that served him so well in the past? Are we seeing improvements under new trainer Derrick James? And does he have what it takes to beat someone like Deontay Wilder?
Sadly, that rematch is now gone due to Whyte testing positive for a banned substance. Joshua now fights veteran Robert Helenius instead.
A knockout win and an early night are expected of Joshua but after his display against Jermaine Franklin, where his performance was not what we expected, will that quieten the doubters?
Joshua is now in a stage of his career where scrutiny has been ramped up having not looked himself inside a boxing ring for some time.
Have we already seen the best of Anthony Joshua? Boxing News asks four boxing figures to answer that question.
Troy Williamson (Super-welterweight)
I don’t think so. I think he still has a lot to offer. It’s a shame, because the Dillian Whyte fight would have been perfect to show us if he still has that viciousness. I don’t think he’s lost his confidence or anything like that. I think he’s being a bit more cautious and working on his defence more..
Steve Wood (Promoter/manager)
Yes. I think mentally he’s a shot fighter – not physically but I just think he’s been showing signs mentally. Mental strength is a big component to being a successful fighter and I think his belief is gone now and it will be very difficult to get it back.
Thomas Gerbasi (Boxing/MMA journalist)
The expectations placed on Anthony Joshua were never going to be reached, and as soon as there were some rough waters, everyone jumped ship. But if he eventually gets into the ring with Tyson Fury and/or Deontay Wilder, he has the opportunity to silence the doubters. I think there’s still something left in the tank if his head is right.
Shabaz Masoud (Super-bantamweight)
I feel he’s got a lot more to give now. He’s got a new mindset, he’s always trying to do better and learn more. So, I do think that he will develop. Derrick James has done a great job with the fighters he has and if he can install some of those fundamentals he’s taught them Joshua could become a better fighter.
