DEMSEY MCKEAN is adamant he’s a “better” boxer than old sparring partner Anthony Joshua.
The Australian man mountain is in the running to welcome Joshua back to the ring in April, although an agreement has yet to be finalised.
GETTYDemsey McKean, left, is in the running to face Anthony Joshua in April[/caption]
[email protected] is a former sparring partner of the ex-world champion[/caption]
[email protected] Aussie believes he has the beating of the Brit[/caption]
McKean, 32, has first-hand knowledge of the problems AJ presents having been part of two of the Brit’s training camps and firmly believes the former champ’s skill set pales in comparison to his.
The southpaw told Boxing Scene: “I know for a fact I’m a better boxer than AJ.
“I’m a lot more mobile, a lot slicker. I’m a lot harder to hit so I know I can definitely outbox him.”
He added: “I’ve got the full package. I’m a super fit heavyweight, I always come in very well-conditioned.
“I’m a tricky southpaw and quite fast for a heavyweight and I’ve got good feet as well.
“Obviously, I haven’t fought the competition that these top-level guys have but I’ve been waiting for my time to shine.”
Joshua, 33, fell out of world title contention in August following a second consecutive points defeat to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
But McKean is adamant the fallen Brit is still among the elite of the division.
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He said: “He’s definitely top five, maybe even top three.”
Former two-time unified heavyweight champ is set to return to action at London’s O2 Arena on April 1.
And promoter Eddie Hearn admits his next outing is a must-win if he’s to have any hope of getting back in the title mix.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “You go into that fight in April and you know that defeat, it’s all over, really.
“It would be a third back-to-back defeat and yet a great performance and a showroom knockout will get everyone saying, ‘We’re back, baby.’
“That’s what I can’t wait for because I love it when our backs are against the wall.
“I’m excited. I’m really excited.
“This is the most excited I’ve been in Joshua’s journey so far.”