NEW
Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua Teases Stunning MMA Move
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua beleives that he can transition to MMA. History disagrees.
At every level of boxing, Anthony Joshua has excelled. From regional to world amateur to Olympic gold medals and the world heavyweight championship as a professional. Someday, Joshua could hear his name called at the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Yet, despite remaining a top contender to gain one of the myriad versions of the heavyweight title, Joshua entertained the possibility of competing in MMA.
“Believe me, I was thinking, why don’t I step over into one of their territories, because they keep on coming to our territory?” Joshua said on the Mr. Verzace podcast. “Obviously, this is big business. It’s big boxing, it’s heavyweight boxing. You are talking about the best in their chosen field. MMA, kickboxing. These aren’t amateurs, these are actually experienced fighters. It would be good if one of us went into that side and we see how we get on over there.”
Past Pugilists' Forays into MMA Don't Bode Well for Anthony Joshua
Joshua forgets how boxers fared stepping into the cage. First, James Toney, considered by many to be one of the best defensive fighters of his era, stepped in against all-time legend Randy Couture at UFC 118 back in 2010. Couture finished Toney at 3:19 of the first round, looking outclassed, winded, and defeated.
Holly Holm is the best example of a boxer who made the seamless transition. She is the one who derailed Ronda Rousey's entire career with a head kick that changed the future of women's MMA. Rousey earned acclaim as one of the few boxers to step into the cage and carve out a distinguished career.
Claressa Shields Gives MMA a Try
Even Claressa Shields, regarded as the greatest female boxer of her era, tried MMA. With a record of 2-1, she said that three fights were enough for her, stating: "MMA is done, sweetheart," Shields said on The Ariel Helwani Show. "It was fun, but I don't have enough time to train for it. It takes six to eight months just to get ready to defend takedowns. "
She said the quiet part out loud. Boxers deal in space and footwork, much like MMA. However, on the ground, their world changes.. Joshua turns 37 in October.
After years in the ring, does he want to hurt the twilight of his boxing career? Lastly, MMA lacks the monthly paydays that happen throughout boxing. Would Joshua want to expose himself to that?
