Joshua won the IBF heavyweight title with an effortless second-round knockout of American southpaw Charles Martin. Photo by Matchroom Boxing

Despite heavyweight boxing being one of the most unpredictable trades in world sport, it is all going like clockwork for Britain’s Anthony Joshua.

Olympic gold, a 100 percent unbeaten knockout record, an IBF heavyweight title, solid pay-per-view numbers with the purses to match and a multi-bout agreement with Showtime.

Yes, Joshua, who is rated No. 5 by THE RING at heavyweight, could be doing a lot worse.

Just over a week ago, in his first title defense, the colossal Englishman dispatched American contender Dominic Breazeale. Joshua controlled the action throughout, floored his man twice and left the ring with an emphatic seventh-round technical knockout.

It was only the second time in 17 fights that he has competed in the seventh round and none of his other opponents have managed to get beyond the third.

Critics point to a lack of solid opposition and there is no doubt that Joshua’s biggest nights lie ahead. Luckily, however, the division is stacked and the potential for glamour division fireworks is very high.

Joshua vs. Joseph Parker, vs. Tyson Fury, vs. Wladimir Klitschko, vs. David Haye, vs. Deontay Wilder, vs. Luis Ortiz. Take your pick and you have guaranteed excitement in a division that has been stagnant for years.

There will be casualties among that lineup and we’ll have to play the waiting game (hey, we’re accustomed to that) but the smart money says that heavyweight boxing will benefit in the long run.

Anthony Joshua spoke to RingTV.com about his most recent victory and what the future holds.

RingTV.com: How do you assess your victory over Dominic Breazeale, in terms of plusses and minuses?

Anthony Joshua: It was alright. It’s been a long couple of months and although it was good to get the win, the fight was a lot tougher than I expected. I’d say my performance was at about 70 percent or thereabouts.

Photo: @AnthonyFJoshua

RTV: I spoke to Eddie Hearn before that fight and he was concerned that you were spreading yourself thin and needed a rest. Is that true and, if so, when do you think you’ll be back?

AJ: I was tired coming in, but I’m looking to get back out in November or December. Training has been grueling. Marvin Hagler once said that a fighter never gets enough rest because it’s not just the fighting, it’s the sparring. We beat each other up for weeks.

RTV: You don’t claim to be the finished article yet. What parts of your game would you like to improve?

AJ: The main thing I need is experience. It was great to get some rounds in against Breazeale because that’s what helps you develop. When you’re expected to take people out and they get past the early rounds, it’s good to adjust your game plan and it shows character.

I never used to think like that. I thought it was all about blasting people out, but when you go a few rounds you really feel the benefit. I would never tell anyone not to knock their opponent out, but it’s good to control a fight and control the pace. It’s like being a snake charmer in there and that’s a big skill in itself.

RTV: Joseph Parker is your mandatory challenger and a lot of people are looking forward to that one. What kind of a challenge does he present and could that fight be your next?

AJ: Potentially. He’s a young, hungry and fresh fighter that wants to come through and prove himself. He’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain and that makes him a dangerous opponent.

RTV: The biggest fights available to you in the U.K. are David Haye and Tyson Fury. What one is likely to happen in 2017 and what one do you really want to happen?

AJ: I would prefer Tyson Fury. It makes more sense to go with Fury because he has the belts and it’s a unification fight. That is the route I would like to go down, if I have the opportunity.

If not, I would take the Haye fight 100 percent. He may not be where he was three of four years ago, but I think he’s doing the right things. He’s training himself into fighting shape by getting the rounds under his belt and that is a gradual process. When he starts fighting the bigger names, he’ll have had a few fights and it won’t be new territory for him.

RTV: Deontay Wilder is in with Chris Arreola in a couple of weeks and he’s a huge favorite to win. Is that justified or can Arreola test him?

AJ: Arreola can test him. Wilder has been tested a few times by (Johann) Duhaupas, (Eric) Molina and (Bermane) Stiverne. I think it’ll be a good fight because Arreola has the type of style where can slip punches and throw the hook and so on. Despite that, I still pick Wilder to win the fight.

Tyson Fury. Photo: Dave Thompson

RTV: When it’s rescheduled, how does the Fury-Klitschko rematch play out? A lot of people think Tyson has taken his eye off the ball. Do you believe that or do you think he’s trying to give Klitschko a false sense of security?

AJ: I’m not sure about the false sense of security. I don’t think (Tyson) has taken his foot off the gas because he had been away training (before the injury). I pick Fury to win the rematch because he’s done it once and he can do it again.

RTV: So, do you think Klitschko’s time has passed?

AJ: No, I don’t. If you take a look at the first fight, Wlad opened up in the last couple of rounds and it was getting a bit tough for Fury. I don’t think Wladimir is at the end at all.

RTV: It’s an Olympic year. What do you expect from the Team GB lads in Rio? Are you excited for them?

AJ: They’re a serious bunch. I’m sure they can replicate the success from London 2012 because more of our fighters have qualified this time. It’s hard to predict exactly what will happen because it’s not just one fight; it’s really tough and a lot of it comes down to the draw. I’m looking forward to it and I think I’m going over to Rio to do some work with the BBC.

RTV: You won Olympic gold, you’ve won a world title and your popularity is soaring. Is the journey exceeding your expectations?

AJ: I’m just being myself and getting on with it. I train the same way I did while I was in the amateurs and try to keep my feet on the ground. I’ve always been taught to be like that in the gym and nothing has changed — for me anyway.

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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