Sunday 20 July 2014 00:54, UK
Matt Skelton has admitted he should not have compared Anthony Joshua to Audley Harrison after suffering a crushing stoppage defeat to the heavyweight prospect.
The Bedford man risked the wrath of Joshua by suggesting he was making similar mistakes to Harrison in the build-up to their fight in Liverpool last Saturday.
This verbal attack appeared even more unwise when Skelton was ruthlessly stopped in two rounds and with time to reflect, he gave a more glowing assessment of the 24-year-old Londoner.
Skelton fought for the WBA title back in 2008, losing on points against Ruslan Chagaev, and believes Joshua has the potential to become a future world champion.
“I thought we would go the distance but he was so much physically stronger than we thought on the inside,” he told Bedford Today.
“I can’t take anything away from him and he looks like he could be a world champion with that strength.
“The first round we were okay, he caught me with some good shots so we were happy.
“I don’t think he is another Audley, he seems so much more hungrier and fresh so he has the ability to achieve much more.”
The veteran is considering retirement after this latest setback, but can be proud of his achievements, which include a European title triumph against Olympic bronze medallist Paolo Vidoz.
“I’m 47 now and I’ve really got to sit down and look at my future,” said the former kick-boxer.
“Reality has set in now and I want to leave boxing with all my faculties intact.
“The guy I fought is two years younger than my daughter which puts it in perspective.
“Looking back on my career I started late in the game and achieved things that some boxers never get near to, particularly when I went to Italy and won the European title.”
