After 2 Devastating Losses, Legend Evander Holyfield Gives Vital Advice to Anthony Joshua for Reviving His Boxing Career

It was heartbreaking to watch Anthony Joshua breaking down during the post-fight press conference. Despite his best efforts, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk once again outsmarted AJ to win the rematch.

Talks on a fight against reigning WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury galvanized Joshua’s fans. But with the eventual collapse of the discussion, speculations on the latter’s next move, especially the name of the upcoming contender, are rife. After all, his amateur record is as glittering as the professional one. He won the rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and knocked out Kubrat Pulev in 2020. But, notwithstanding those victories, the first loss against Ruiz Jr, combined with the consecutive defeats from Usyk, had put a big blot on an otherwise spectacular career. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist stands at a critical turning point in his career. A few words of wisdom from someone who reached the zenith much before he did might be handy for Joshua.

What happened when Evander Holyfield saw Anthony Joshua’s old videos?

Like Joshua, Evander Holyfield is a former Olympian. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics bronze medalist began his career as a light heavyweight in 1984. Then, switching to Cruiserweight in 1985, he became the WBA Cruiserweight champion in 1986. It was a matter of time before he moved to the division that followed. In 1990, Holyfield became the WBA, WBC, and IBF Heavyweight champion after defeating Buster Douglas.

‘The Real Deal’ saw the videos of Anthony Joshua’s recent fights. Not one to mince words, in his frank opinion, the Briton’s aggression wasn’t enough against the Ukrainian. The former’s lack of push paved the way for ‘The Cat’ to get the better of AJ.

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He said, “Anthony Joshua is a good fighter, but if you don’t throw enough punches, you don’t use your size to your advantage. He is a big guy, he’s got to use the jab, everybody knew (Adonis) Stevenson had a great jab, and that’s pretty much what he is throwing.”

Anthony Joshua could learn a thing or two from a former Canadian champ

‘The Real Deal’ cited the example of former WBC light-heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson. Joshua could emulate the way the Canadian champion used to throw his jabs. Holyfield suggested, “Every time he catches you asleep with the jab, then you get hit with a right hand, and you are out of there. Anthony Joshua can pretty much do the same thing…but he has to be a bit more aggressive; you have to use your size to your advantage.”

Hugely regarded for his deadly punches and lightning-quick hands, Adonis held the WBC and lineal light-heavyweight titles for nearly five years. He defended his title ten times successfully before suffering life-threatening brain damage in a fight against Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2018.

Joshua is still searching for a trainer to kick-start the new year’s campaign. What is your prediction for Anthony Joshua in 2023? Let us know in the comments.

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