Anthony Joshua has revealed who he believes are the best fighters in the world right now, including some surprise suggestions.
The two-time world champion is preparing for his heavyweight clash against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, London on 21 September in a fight where the winner is likely to face whoever wins the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in a shot to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
But that hasn’t stopped Joshua from naming some of the best fighters in the sport, past and present during an interview with TNT Sports.
- Who is Anthony Joshua? Step into the life of one of boxing’s biggest stars who is about to fight Daniel Dubois
Anthony Joshua names Nick Ball as best UK fighter
Starting with his homeland, Joshua named Nick Ball as the best fighter from the UK.
The 27-year-old from Liverpool has been a professional since 2017 and his progress has seen him rise the ranks to become a featherweight title holder.
In his 21 professional fights, Ball has 20 wins – 11 via knockout decision – and one draw.
His biggest challenge came against Raymond Ford in June 2024, where he emerged victorious in Saudi Arabia, winning on a split decision to secure the WBA featherweight title.
Ball will defend the world title for the first time on 5 October 2024 in a homecoming fight against Ronny Rios at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
Anthony Joshua names Shakur Stevenson as best US fighter
Fresh from his recent signing to Matchroom Boxing, Shakur Stevenson has also been named as the best fighter in the US by Joshua.
The three-weight champion even responded to AJ’s comments on X, replying: “Appreciate that champ @AnthonyJoshua.
“One of the most resilient boxers in the world, I’m rocking with you on the 21st killer #ChasingGreatness.”
Stevenson was set to fight on the card of the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev fight against Joe Cordina but was forced to pull out due to injury.
His hand injury means any hope of seeing Stevenson will have to wait until 2025, when he will then defend his WBC lightweight world title.
Anthony Joshua says Oleksandr Usyk is the best fighter in Europe
Having lost to him twice in his career already, the prospect of finally getting revenge over Usyk at the third attempt is a big motivation for Joshua.
In May 2024, Usyk became the first heavyweight since Lennox Lewis in 1999 to unify the heavyweight titles with his win against Fury.
Before establishing himself in the heavyweight division the Ukrainian was a force to be reckoned with at cruiserweight and has long been regarded as one of the best fighters of all time.
His rematch against Fury in December could see him come up against Joshua for a third time, but this time do battle for all of the heavyweight titles.
- Who is Oleksandr Usyk? Step inside the life of the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion who defeated Tyson Fury
Anthony Joshua claims he is the best fighter in the world
Confidence is never a bad thing and Joshua certainly isn’t lacking in it.
His recovery from those two defeats to Usyk has seen him make steady progress, beating the likes of Otto Wallin, Jermaine Franklin, and Francis Ngannou, but, Dubois will be a different test.
Two of Britain’s best fighters going head-to-head at the biggest stadium in the UK means the pressure is on for both.
Not only is it bragging rights between the two, it’s a step up the ladder to go on and compete for the big prize.
This will be the chance to see what Joshua is made of, and if he’s learned from previous mistakes.
Raymond Ford is the best young fighter in the world, according to Anthony Joshua
Raymond Ford may have lost to Nick Ball in his most recent fight, but it hasn’t stopped the Camden, New Jersey-born 25-year-old from catching the eye.
Ford began his professional career in 2019 and impressed before 2024 would finally be the year he got his chance at a world title shot.
He took on Otabek Kholmatov in March 2024 for the vacant WBA featherweight title in Verona, New York, winning the fight thanks to TKO with just seven seconds of the 12th round remaining.
In his 17 professional fights, Ford has won 15 (eight by knockout), drawn one and lost one – the most recent being his defeat to Ball.
Muhammad Ali named best fighter of all time by Anthony Joshua
As with many boxers, Muhammad Ali was named the best fighter of all time by Joshua.
The two-time Olympic champion has previously waxed lyrical about Ali’s talents, telling Men’s Health magazine in 2023 that Ali was the best “historically, by a mile”.
Named sportsman of the century for his incredible dedication to the sport, you don’t earn the nickname ‘The Greatest’ lightly.
Fights against the likes of George Foreman, Sonny Liston, and Joe Frazier have gone down in history as some of the best title fights in the sport, and without Ali’s efforts – in and out of the ring – fighters such as Joshua may not have been inspired to begin their careers.
Anthony Joshua reveals Wembley Stadium is favorite stadium to fight in
Unsurprisingly, it’s home comforts for Joshua when it comes to the best stadium to fight in.
Growing up a short distance away in Watford, Wembley Stadium is one that many fighters would dream of winning a major title fight in.
Joshua is looking in good shape and will face Dubois in front of 90,000 people on 21 September and will more than likely be the crowd favorite in London.
Wembley has played host to some of the biggest and greatest sporting events and Joshua will be hoping he can add to that list with another devastating display.