Wladimir Klitschko: Anthony Joshua has more potential than any boxer I’ve ever seen

The unified heavyweight world champion praised the British boxer and tipped him for a long and successful career, having witnessed Joshua’s ability in the past.

Klitschko and Joshua sparred together during the Ukrainian’s training camp last year, and the 39-year-old, who has a perfect 67-0 record, has revealed that he believes the Olympic gold medallist will go straight to the top of the sport.

“I've faced a lot of athletes and opponents and in the last 25 years there is one person who has the potential to become a really big star in boxing,” Klitschko told BBC Radio.

“Not only inside the ring but that person, and I'm talking about Anthony Joshua, has qualities that not many guys have had.

“Either they had good skills but not the strength, or they had strength but not the skills. Or they were good inside the ring but not outside because their life outside messed them up and that reflected on their sporting career.

“I think Anthony has all the tools to become the great champion inside and outside the ring.”

Klitschko, who has held at least one portion of the heavyweight championship since 2006, will make his next title defence against Tyson Fury in October, but has not ruled out facing Joshua before he retires.

'I think he needs to improve and move forward but eventually it can happen if I stay where I am today,' he concluded.