<
>

Wladimir Klitschko: Anthony Joshua can unify heavyweight division

Joshua claimed his 20th knockout of his professional career when he beat Carlos Takam on Oct. 28. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Wladimir Klitschko insists IBF and WBA Super champion Anthony Joshua can defeat Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder to unify the heavyweight belts and hopes the British fighter's reign lasts as long as his own 11-year rule.

The Ukrainian had a 22-fight unbeaten streak that stretched from October 2004 until it came to an end against Tyson Fury in November 2015, while he retired after his April 2017 TKO loss to Joshua at London's Wembley Stadium.

Klitschko, who sold the robe he wore in the defeat to Joshua, has no qualms about talking up AJ's prospects, as he expected the fighter to wipe all before him in the heavyweight division.

"I'd say the more Joshua shines, the better I shine," Klitschko told the Sun. "If I lost, I want to make sure I lost to the better man. I wish, from the bottom of my heart, he continues to carry this torch for a long time and is very successful just like I was.

"I have passed the torch to the younger lion. Joshua is capable of unifying the division, absolutely."