
via Getty
DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Andy Ruiz Jr during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

via Getty
DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Andy Ruiz Jr during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
In the high-stakes arena of heavyweight boxing, every victory writes history, every defeat a lesson. Anthony Joshua, former two-time unified champion, recently showcased his resilience and tactical prowess in a dominant five-round victory against Otto Wallin. This triumph, a testament to his relentless pursuit of greatness, reignites discussions about his standing among boxing’s elites.
Curiously, an artist, popular on the internet, casts a new light on Joshua’s journey. Comparing him to Canelo Alvarez, who rose from a defeat to Floyd Mayweather to become one of the sport’s greats, sparks an intriguing debate. How do fans perceive Joshua’s path? Does this comparison hold water, or is it a stretch too far?
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Age, experience, and paths of Anthony Joshua and Canelo
In the aftermath of Anthony Joshua’s emphatic victory over Otto Wallin, a tweet from a popular internet personality Castillo has stirred the boxing community. “Canelo lost to a Floyd and went on to become one of the greatest. AJ lost to Usyk and has slowly built himself back up and stayed most active out of all the heavyweights. If you still ain’t giving him his credit, you’re a hater, brav,” the tweet proclaimed, drawing parallels between Joshua’s career trajectory and that of Canelo Alvarez.
Firstly, one fan acknowledges Joshua’s skills but withholds full praise until he faces and conquers elite fighters. This viewpoint underscores a common sentiment among fans who respect Joshua’s accomplishments but remain eager for him to test his mettle against the likes of Tyson Fury.
I give him credit… And I still pay to watch him…. But I need to see him out-box or out-power a couple of elite fighters….. AJ vs Fury is his chance to leave the gypsies vexed for the rest of their days….
— CalMcQueen (@MaxBeretta10818) December 24, 2023
On the other hand, one fan jumps to Joshua’s defense. He highlights the significant impact Joshua has had on British boxing, transforming it from a state of relative obscurity to one of global prominence.
Lost to one of the best p4p fighters of this generation, the shit he gets is crazy! Look at the state of British boxing before the AJ era it was poor the man brought massive fights and cards back and deserves the credit
— Seán Mc (@seanmacmufc1) December 24, 2023
Another fan introduces a nuanced perspective, focusing on the age and experience difference between Alvarez and Joshua at the time of their respective pivotal losses.
I hear it but Canelo was 23 when he lost to Floyd, AJ was 32 when he lost the second Usyk fight and didn’t have a fraction of the experience and learning fights that Canelo had in his early years.
— Adil Lambat (@adil121135) December 25, 2023
Contrastingly, one person offers a starkly critical view of Joshua’s boxing capabilities. He emphasizes the manner of Joshua’s defeat to Usyk, portraying it as not just a loss, but a comprehensive outclassing.
Bro he didn’t just get beaten by usyk that’s the thing…he got schooled like a little kid a nursery…he ain’t got the boxing IQ to become a great..
— HD ⭕️ 🅧 🇵🇸 (@HDhalech123) December 24, 2023
Finally, one fan brings a comparative angle, challenging the notion of Joshua being the most active heavyweight. He points out Joseph Parker’s higher activity level and dismisses Joshua’s recent victories as less significant.
Nonsense. Parker is more active than AJ. And aj has beaten 3 bums since Usyk smashed his ass
— Angelo (@Sorbetorice) December 24, 2023
After Joshua’s victory, his past opponent has called him out for a rematch.
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Zhilei Zhang challenges AJ to a rematch
In the glow of Anthony Joshua’s latest triumph, a call for redemption echoes from Zhilei Zhang. Fresh off his victory over Otto Wallin, Joshua finds an old rival rekindling their competitive spirit. Zhang, reflecting on their past Olympic encounter, shared on Instagram, “I lost to a better man 11 years ago in the Olympics. I’m happy we have both come a long way.”
But Zhang’s admiration swiftly turned into a challenge, as he sees an opportunity for a thrilling rematch. “Now it’s time to do this for the sport of boxing and give it to the fans around the world. Let’s get it on!” he declared. Holding the WBO Interim Heavyweight title, Zhang’s recent knockout victory over Joe Joyce sets the stage for a potentially epic showdown.
Also Read: Looking for Another Payday, Francis Ngannou ‘Licks His Lips’ for 2 Mega Anthony Joshua Fights
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Can Zhang turn his quest for redemption into reality against a rejuvenated Joshua, or will AJ continue his ascent back to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing?
Watch this story: 7 Things Anthony Joshua Can’t Live Without
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