Campbell and not Joshua can turn Olympic gold into boxing titles
Published:Luke Campbell looks the smarter bet over Anthony Joshua to build on his Olympic gold medal by becoming a boxing world champion within the next four years.
Super-heavyweight Joshua is 3/1 to win a belt from one of the four recognised world professional organisations before the start of the next Olympics in Rio in 2016.
However, comments from the fighter suggest that punters may be better off siding with Campbell making the grade in the pro ranks in 6/1.
Joshua took Olympic gold when beating Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle via countback and he was in relatively regular contact with Lennox Lewis en route through the rounds.
Lewis would be the ideal role model given that he became a world champion after taking gold in the 1988 Olympics and so could pass on some valuable advice.
The fact that there is a strong possibility that both of the Klitschko brothers should have retired by 2016 would also leave the title scene in the heavyweight ranks wide open.
But early indications from Joshua propose that he intends to remain an amateur for the next four years so he can defend his title in Rio.
Playing the waiting game may not be the worst move for Joshua to continue his development and ensure he has fully developed his skills before turning pro.
His left jab appears a particularly valuable ally, but improvements could still be made in terms of pacing his rounds and stamina.
Amir Khan is an example of another who may have prospered further if not deciding to turn pro in the aftermath of winning an Olympic medal.
Bantamweight gold medallist Campbell has not offered any insight into his future plans, but with Duke McKenzie the only world champion in the division since the induction of the four organisations, the chance beckons to be a big hit.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
