Bernard Hopkins Predicts Late Stoppage Win For Joshua Against Fury

Former two-division world champion Bernard Hopkins believes Anthony Joshua will emerge victorious in a potential heavyweight undisputed fight against Tyson Fury which could well take place in 2021.

In the meantime, both fighters have opponents standing in the way of the biggest fight in British boxing history. Joshua must defend against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev. Fury is contractually obligated to give Deontay Wilder a rematch after stopping the American power puncher when they fought for a second time in February.

Speaking to Sky Sports Hopkins expressed his excitement at the current state of the heavyweight division and went on record to say he thinks Joshua will claim a late stoppage win when he finally fights Fury, he said.

“”The heavyweight division was asleep for a decade until Deontay Wilder, Joshua and Fury surfaced. Four or five other names are knocking on the door to be threatening contenders.”

“But let’s just deal with those three right now. Joshua vs Fury is a fight that both guys could win or lose. I like Joshua to be tested, to get his feelings hurt early – that might be a knockdown but he will get up.

“Because of the lesson that he learned being, not unprepared, but overconfident he paid a big price. He redeemed himself. Now that is in his memory – what not to do ever again – Joshua beats Fury by knockout late. It will be an interesting, exciting five or six rounds at the beginning. Then Joshua’s athleticism, boxing IQ and experience would overwhelm Fury.

“Joshua would come out of a dust-storm based on his experience. At this point he has to make a really serious statement based on [the Andy Ruiz loss]. Redemption. This fight is Joshua’s stamp of approval of being great. He’s not there yet. He is in legacy building mode.”

Do you agree with Bernard Hopkins? Will Anthony Joshua get the late stoppage win when he fights Tyson Fury?