Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has revealed what he sees as the biggest issue in Anthony Joshua’s career — and it has nothing to do with his physical abilities or opponents in the ring.
Speaking to The Mirror via NewBettingSites.uk, Nelson expressed concern that Joshua, one of Britain’s most high-profile athletes, may be surrounded by people who are reluctant to tell him the hard truths.
“It’s very hard to have people around you that’ll tell you how it is,” said Nelson. “You’re going to have people around you that want to stay in your employment, stay in that circle. So they’re going to tell you stuff that you want to hear.”
He continued: “They’re not going to say, ‘Why aren’t you running? Why are you getting beat up in sparring? Why are you opening a packet of crisps when you should be in the gym?’ Nobody on his squad is going to dare tell him that with any conviction.”
According to Nelson, this dynamic shift — from a hungry up-and-comer to the boss of his own camp — has created a dangerous imbalance. “When you’re hungry, they try to drag you up. Now he’s the boss. They work for him. And that’s where the problem is.”
Nelson believes that as age, experience, and changing motivation come into play, any misalignment can derail a fighter’s career. “AJ’s in that position,” he added.
Joshua, 35, hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September. Following elbow surgery, he’s now targeting a return to the ring before the end of the year.
Shockingly, recent reports suggest AJ could be in talks to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, after being called out — a matchup that would certainly spark debate across the boxing world.
