'I think Anthony Joshua's been a damaged fighter' - Says Carl Froch Before the Potential Joshua vs Wilder Fight
Carl Froch, a prominent boxing pundit, has once again expressed his views on former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, this time characterizing the fellow British fighter as a "damaged fighter." Froch, known for his candid commentary on boxing, has been vocal about Joshua's recent performances. Previously, the former super-middleweight champion claimed that Joshua had his "soul taken" in his first career defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr. He asserted that Joshua has been hesitant and cautious in his fights ever since that loss. During an episode of his Froch on Fighting YouTube channel, "The Cobra" referred to Joshua as a "damaged" fighter since that significant upset in the heavyweight division. Froch went on to suggest that if Joshua were to lose to Deontay Wilder in their highly anticipated bout, it could spell the end of Joshua's career.
"If Deontay Wilder knocks out Anthony Joshua, then I don’t think Joshua will want to fight again after that, I don’t think he can build up after that. If Wilder knocks out Anthony Joshua, then I think that’s the end of Anthony Joshua, I don’t think he comes back from that."Froch expressed his concerns about Joshua's mental state, stating:
"Anthony Joshua since the Ruiz loss – I think he’s been a damaged fighter, I’ve got to be honest. I don’t think he’s ever been the same since that loss. You can see by his performances what he’s thinking, when I watch him fight I’m concerned that he’s not there [points to his head] anymore."While Froch has publicly indicated his belief that "The Bronze Bomber" Deontay Wilder will prevail over "AJ," he also discussed the possibility of Joshua winning. In that case, Froch suggested that the long-anticipated fight against Tyson Fury should be pursued. "Depending on how the fight went, if it was a one-punch knockout, then my opinion would be that he’s broken the curse and he’s back, and let’s get the Tyson Fury fight on ASAP because I think that fight is getting further and further away the longer Fury is out of the ring." While the Joshua-Wilder bout had been anticipated for early next year, promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged that progress has slowed due to changes in the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia, prompting consideration of alternative locations.
