Wladimir Klitschko believes Anthony Joshua can be the next undisputed heavyweight champion
What is it all about?
It has been 18 years since the heavyweight division of boxing had its last undisputed champion. After Lennox Lewis, there has never been an undisputed heavyweight champion who conquered all the major belts. Even though Klitschko brothers had all the belts but since they never fought each other so there was never an undisputed heavyweight champion in the 'Klitschko era' which ended after Wladimir's retirement.
Wladimir Klitschko's faith in Anthony Joshua
Klitschko said: “I’d say the more Joshua shines, the better I shine. If I lost, I want to make sure I lost to the better man.
"I wish, from the bottom of my heart, he continues to carry this torch for a long time and is very successful just like I was.I have passed the torch to the younger lion. Joshua is capable of unifying the division, absolutely.”
In his blockbuster clash against Anthony Joshua on 29th April 2017 in the Wembley stadium, Dr. Steelhammer was defeated by a TKO in the 11th round. Although Wladimir knocked down Joshua in the 6th round after being knocked down himself in the 5th round. That was the first time Anthony Joshua was knocked down by anybody in his entire career as a pro boxer. Joshua was rocked momentarily in his fight against Diliian Whyte but recovered soon and defeated Dillian Whyte by a knockout in the 7th round.
Wladimir has hinted before also that Joshua is right now the best in the heavyweight division and can conquer the other two champions Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker.
What is next?
Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn is right now in talks with Joseph Parker team for a unification match which is to be scheduled sometime in March-April of 2018. Deontay Wilder who is the WBC champion has been calling out Joshua since long for a unification fight but right now the focus seems to be on Joseph Parker's WBO belt for team Joshua.
Author's take
Klitschko is probably right in his assumption that Joshua is better than the other two champions. The greatest challenge for Joshua will be Tyson Fury provided he returns from retirement. Joshua himself has admitted that Fury will be his toughest challenge although it is definitely going to be a treat for boxing fans if unification fights are arranged soon.