Current heavyweight number one Anthony Joshua on why out of any fighter in history that he would have picked Evander Holyfield to have fought.

‘The Real Deal’ Evander Holyfield became undisputed cruiserweight and then heavyweight champion during a glittering Hall of Fame career (44-10-2-29KO).

A man respected the world over for being one of boxing’s great warriors of his time, current heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua picked him above anyone else on who he would have liked to have fought.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Toe To Toe program, Joshua outlined why he would have loved to have fought Holyfield above anyone else in heavyweight boxing history:

“When you’re idols become you’re rivals! I think one of the greatest heavyweights is Holyfield. He’s a boss. He’s a real boss. I like him because he can box, get behind that jab and he’s a real good fighter on the inside. He can trade up close. The reason is Holyfield will bring out the whole fighter in me. He won’t let me just keep it long and step off. He’ll come and slip shots. I just think it will be like a Riddick Bowe type of fight because I’ve got the height against Holyfield.”

Joshua finds himself in final preparations at present for his upcoming October 28th bout against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

He will put his IBO, IBF and WBA (Super) heavyweight titles on the line.

The holders of the other recognised heavyweight belts in world boxing are American Deontay Wilder (WBA) and WBO champion Joseph Parker (New Zealand).