Regis Prograis on Anthony Joshua’s Heavyweight Status
Regis Prograis, a former world champion in boxing, recently shared his opinion on Anthony Joshua’s current status in the heavyweight division. Prograis, while acknowledging Joshua’s significant appeal as a marketable athlete, expressed skepticism regarding his abilities in the ring. This sentiment aligns with ongoing discussions within the boxing community, especially since Joshua’s Olympic triumph and subsequent challenges against fighters like Dillian Whyte.
Prograis’ Critique
In a revealing conversation with Fight Hub TV, Prograis raised questions about whether Joshua still qualifies as a top heavyweight. Citing Joshua’s recent losses to Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and Daniel Dubois, Prograis stated firmly,
“I don’t think we can keep calling him that.”
When prompted by the interviewer about Joshua’s still impressive record potentially keeping him in the top five, Prograis disagreed and suggested a ranking closer to the top ten. He noted that while Joshua boasts a striking physical presence — resembling a superhero at six-foot-six with a sculpted physique — this marketability does not necessarily translate into superior fighting skills. Prograis remarked,
“Marketability, yeah, he is top. But as far as fighting skills, I think they have got other people that feel like they can definitely beat him.”
Ongoing Doubts and Future Prospects
Despite being a major draw in boxing, filling venues across the U.K. and generating substantial interest for his matches, doubts about Joshua’s fighting competence continue to simmer. His career since the upset by Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and two defeats to Usyk raises queries about his resilience against elite competition, especially after recently being knocked out by Dubois.
This observation from Prograis highlights a crucial conversation around Joshua’s brand versus his ring performance. Critics compare his attributes unfavorably with the skills of other leading heavyweights like Usyk and Tyson Fury, who display a greater adaptability and tenacity.
Conclusion
As Joshua approaches his 36th birthday, he must confront whether he can alter the current narrative surrounding his fighting legacy. Once heralded by his promoter Eddie Hearn as a possible comparison to Muhammad Ali, Joshua’s position within the sport is now in contention. The current heavyweight landscape is dynamic, and Joshua’s future opportunities will be critical in determining whether he can reclaim a spot among the sport’s elite.
As it stands, the boxing world awaits to see if Joshua can transcend his impressive commercial presence and address the pressing questions about his fighting capability and position in the division.
