‘Tyson Fury has not even boxed half the calibre of fighters Anthony Joshua has fought’

Johnny Nelson believes Anthony Joshua doesn’t get the respect he deserves for progressing so rapidly by his skilled profession.

The Brit returns to the ring this weekend to face necessary challenger Kubrat Pulev on the SSE Enviornment in Wembley the place his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight trinkets will likely be on the road.

Though it could appear incredulous, Joshua began boxing on the age of 18 and gained Olympic Gold on the London Video games in 2012.

Since then, he has continued to rack up victories as an expert and was a world champion in simply his 16^th bout when he knocked out Charles Martin within the second spherical of their IBF title conflict.

Regardless of persevering with to struggle on the very highest degree and having stopped Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte, there are those that doubt ‘AJ’ and imagine he’s the underdog for a possible unification struggle with Tyson Fury.

‘The Gypsy King’ knocked out Deontay Wilder in February however, past that, Nelson believes extra respect should be placed on Joshua’s title for the calibre of fighters he’s going through.

“No he doesn’t,” Nelson instructed talkSPORT.com. “You’ve received to have a look at the quantity of champions or ex-champions he has boxed.

“Out of all them – together with Tyson Fury – take a look at the calibre and the titles of the blokes he has boxed.

“Folks simply appear to overlook that in an occasion so I can think about that frustration from AJ considering.

“He should be considering, ‘Maintain on, take a look at all these champions I’ve boxed. Why are folks ignoring this and making Fury a favorite when I’ve executed this?’

“He’s not even boxed half the calibre of fighters Joshua has fought. Sadly, except you do your homework and look in depth, you need to make up your individual thoughts.

“Don’t be swayed by what is alleged on the microphone or what you learn within the newspaper; be swayed by what you see, be swayed by truth, be swayed by what really works.”

Followers haven’t seen Joshua struggle in additional than 12 months due to the pandemic, along with his 12-round education of Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia serving to cement his legacy.

Regardless of the shortage of motion within the ring and a real worry Pulev might trigger an upset on Saturday evening, Nelson believes the shortage of exercise can’t be used as an excuse for both fighter after the ultimate bell tolls.

“This lockdown has been a leveller for everyone,” he added. “Ring rust is not any excuse for anyone.

“As a result of all people is in the identical place and it’s not unique to any fighter; it’s the identical for AJ as it’s for Pulev.

“He’s not boxed for as long as effectively, so these guys have been coaching and sparring, they’re making ready and I’m fairly positive all he might do was field and prepare with sparring companions.

“So the one distinction is you’re doing it in public and this ring rust line can’t be utilized by any fighter as a result of all people is in the identical place and the one distinction is that you’re not performing in entrance of a crowd.”