• Super-heavyweight

Warren: Joshua must turn pro now

ESPN staff
August 18, 2012
Anthony Joshua took super-heavyweight gold at London 2012 © PA Photos
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Promoter Frank Warren feels that Anthony Joshua could become the fastest-ever world heavyweight champion, providing he joins the professional ranks in the near future.

Joshua claimed super-heavyweight gold at London 2012 last week, and since then has indicated that he intends to stay as an amateur in order to go after the World Championship crown.

However, Warren - who moved to sign a handful of the 2008 British Olympians, such as James DeGale - feels Joshua would be better served by flipping over now.

"Anthony Joshua looked mightily impressive striking gold for Britain in the blue riband super-heavyweight division - just as I predicted he would before the competition started," Warren said in his Sun column.

"However, suggestions that the 6ft 6in, 18 stone Watford banger's development would be best served by remaining in the unpaid code are flawed. 'Big Josh' has already defeated the best available amateur opposition and needs the fresh challenges that a pro career would offer, to prevent going stale.

"He has the power and stamina to become world heavyweight champion quicker than anyone previously."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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