Anthony Joshua is now the biggest name in world boxing, says Mike Tyson

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Sam Long4 May 2017

Anthony Joshua is the biggest name in world boxing after beating Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium, according to Mike Tyson.

A post-war record 90,000 fans were in attendance on Saturday night and witnessed what is being widely heralded as a fight for the ages.

Joshua dropped Klitschko in the fifth round before being put down - for the first time in his professional career - in the sixth.

But the London 2012 gold medallist recovered to stop Klitschko in the 11th round and claim the IBF and WBA world heavyweight titles.

Joshua's latest victory has catapulted him to the forefront of his sport and Tyson is adamant the 27-year-old's draw is now unrivalled.

"With what Joshua can bring now everyone will want to fight him because he is bringing the money to the table," Tyson told ESPN.

"After the Klitschko fight, nobody is going to want to watch Deontay Wilder or any of those guys. They won't pay for it, they want the best and the best is Joshua.

"I really don't think Deontay Wilder would be a good fight for Joshua, I'd much prefer to see him fight Mike Perez.

"He needs a couple more fights but that could be great to watch."

Tyson on the Joshua vs Klitschko fight:

"It was a great fight. I had actually picked Klitschko to win as I thought this was just some jumped-up young guy from England. But man he fought well.

"Klitschko is 41 and no-one has ever done that to him.

"There's no quitting in him [Joshua]. I love that he goes out there to hurt his opponent, too. That's what boxing is all about but most fighters just don't have that hunger.”

AFP/Getty Images

Tyson on comparisons between himself and Joshua:

"I see the comparison, sure. If you are of an Afro-English background you're likely to have a tough time; if you're born in the wrong part of town it's always going to be rough.

"You're going to be financially challenged, scholastically challenged. It was like that for me and it's like that now. Boxing gives kids - like me, like Joshua - an outlet."

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