Nelson, Coldwell, Moore, Bellew and Froch share their three-fight plans for 'AJ' in the new heavyweight year...
Friday 29 December 2017 13:21, UK
Anthony Joshua will defend his two world heavyweight titles next year and The Panel have picked out three ideal fights in 2018.
The WBA 'super' and IBF champion has targeted unification clashes against fellow champions Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker, while the expected return of Tyson Fury could set up a massive British battle.
We asked the panel of experts to produce their own three-fight schedule for Joshua...
I am glad I am not a promoter because Joshua's success has created almost two heavyweight divisions and the top one, isn't that big.
Haye going in against Joshua will be a massive fans' favourite. That, in late summer, what a fight that would be!
Joseph Parker is a given for the first one and then I am expecting 'AJ' to win it, but that's when the fun starts. Chuck in the mandatory then I guess I will have to go for Alexander Povetkin next - although I wouldn't mind if Kubrat Pulev got his chance again.
But then it comes to the last of the three and everyone will say Fury or Wilder, but I am going to go for David Haye. Yes, that means I see him winning his rematch with Bellew, but after that, him going in against Joshua will be a massive fans' favourite. That, in late summer, what a fight that would be! Haye brings huge support with him, so does 'AJ', and everyone would have an opinion on that one.
I want see Anthony Joshua against Joseph Parker first. It makes sense for him to get the WBO title. I think he absolutely smashes him to bits. I just don't think Parker's in his league, to be honest.
Tony Bellew could be scuppering these plans, but if he doesn't fight Tyson Fury, then it would have to be that fight for Joshua
Then I would say Deontay Wilder. That is the summer blockbuster that the heavyweight division needs. It would be absolutely brilliant and should be at Wembley Stadium. Forget about Las Vegas. I've seen Wilder in sparring and I've seen what a tough fighter he is. It's a hard fight and one where genuinely it could go either way.
Tony Bellew could be scuppering these plans, but if he doesn't fight Tyson Fury, then it would have to be that fight for Joshua. If AJ comes through Wilder, then it's AJ versus Fury for what would be the biggest fight in British boxing history. It would be absolutely nuts, and what a fight.
It's pretty simple, they write themselves don't they. First up, Joseph Parker, secondly maybe Tyson Fury, and then thirdly Deontay Wilder.
The Wilder fight will be to find out legitimately who is the most powerful and the best heavyweight in the world.
The Parker fight, purely because he's got a belt. Adding that WBO to his IBF and WBA 'Super' is the only reason why I want to see that fight, then the Fury fight because it would be one of the greatest build-ups you have ever seen.
The Wilder fight will be to to find out legitimately who is the most powerful and the best heavyweight in the world. It's only between them two in my eyes. Tyson needs to come back and have a win, he really, really does. It would be interesting to see.
Well, let's assume the Joseph Parker fight is next up, for a start. I honestly think Parker is better than people are saying but Joshua's strength and size alone should see him get that WBO, too.
Whyte is probably the only one who is going to wind him up in the build-up, but he needs to prove he is good enough first.
Then I was going to say Alexander Povetkin now he's the WBA mandatory, but what about putting him against Dillian Whyte and the winner gets to fight Josh? Whyte is probably the only one who is going to wind him up in the build-up, but he needs to prove he is good enough first.
It's got to be Deontay Wilder at the end of the year, in Las Vegas. Josh has done Wembley, he's done Cardiff, so I want to see him in America. Wilder is not the big ticket-seller in America like Josh is over here, but hopefully this time next year, he's improved that. A heavyweight world title fight with all four belts available. It has to be Vegas.
In an ideal world, Joseph Parker is first up but that is not an easy fight for Joshua, at all. Parker is tougher than most people expect and I can see him causing 'AJ' a few problems.
Parker is tougher than most people expect and I can see him causing 'AJ' a few problems.
Of course, it could be over with one punch with the power of Joshua, so the second one has to be Deontay Wilder and the WBC - at Wembley Stadium. Everyone is mad crazy about Joshua going over to America but I don't see why: Britain is the heart of boxing right now and AJ v Wilder at Wembley, would be huge.
Then the last one of the year has to be Tyson Fury. He deserves enough time to get in shape, maybe even have one fight first, but he is experienced so the timing could be better. I would have it before the end of the year because we never know what's round the corner with Fury.
So who is YOUR stand-out star we will see in 2018? Comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.
