Moore, Nelson, Smith, Watt, McCrory and Froch
Tuesday 26 May 2015 17:02, UK
Anthony Joshua has obliterated everything in his path since turning professional in 2013. But the British heavyweight contender faces arguably the toughest test of his career so far this Saturday night when he takes on experienced American Kevin Johnson, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist has made a seamless transition into the pro ranks, making light work of his first 12 opponents, winning all via knockout.
Johnson, however, is a tough customer and has never been stopped during his career - even taking former world champion Vitali Klitschko the distance. The Panel have their say on how they think events will unfold at the O2 Arena in London.
You've got to have a bit of caution here because Joshua has made short work of so many and you wonder what will happen if he's taken a few rounds. Having said that, I don't think Johnson has been in with anyone quite like Joshua.
Johnson will take him longer than he's been before but I still see a stoppage in the sixth or seventh round.
Joshua has a fantastic jab, physical size and Johnson is giving away a fair bit in height and reach. Johnson will take him longer than he's been before, but I still see a stoppage in the sixth or seventh round.
It's a good test for Joshua because finally his chin will be tested. He will get hit. We know he can do it privately, but it will now be tested publicly on a big stage.
It's an obstacle for him to get over, but I expect it to go between eight and 10 rounds. Johnson is the only opponent that believes ahead of going in with Joshua. Self-belief is everything, though I think the referee will save Johnson on this occasion.
Joshua is an animal and Johnson is there for him at the right place and right time. Johnson has extended some of the very best - he took Vitali Klitschko the distance.
Joshua is an animal and Johnson is there for him at the right place and right time.
But Joshua has got him at the right time. Once he starts landing cleanly and finds his rhythm, Johnson will feel how hard he punches. Joshua will become the first to stop him and I expect that to happen in four or five rounds with an explosive finish.
Joshua will stop Johnson, but it will take him more than the usual two to three rounds to get the job done. Joshua is hurting people now and he likes it. The minute he senses blood and knows he has got them hurt, Joshua dives on them. They don't ever become unhurt in the fight.
The minute he senses blood and knows he has got them hurt, Joshua dives on them.
Johnson is tough and durable. But Joshua has got the time and patience to break him down. He has proven that he can show a bit of patience, although it doesn't look like it when you look at his record. So I am going to go for Joshua between four and six rounds.
You've obviously got two guys at the different end of their careers but the good news is there is no doubt Johnson will take Joshua a few rounds. And who knows, he might even fiddle his way right through to the end because he does know what he's doing, that's for sure.
There is no doubt Johnson will take Joshua a few rounds. And who knows he might even fiddle his way right through to the end
There is no question Joshua has terrific power, so it's just whether or not he can catch Johnson - the sort of experienced guy that will do all he can to make it to the end. If Joshua can keep on him, he could well get that stoppage in the last third of the fight, eighth round onwards.
I think we all know he needs to be moved on and he can because they have done a very, very good job with him, all the way through right up to Tony Sims now.
He is capable of doing it but it is up to him. It would be nice to see Joshua taking this all the way and he wins widely. on points.
This is Joshua's first real test but I think he will come through with flying colours. He will look great and he will get the win but will he get the knockout? I am not so sure. He is capable of doing it, but it is up to him. It would be nice to see Joshua taking this all the way and he wins widely on points.
Watch Joshua v Johnson live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, with Mitchell and Selby also on. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavin
