Error code: %{errorCode}
Ryan Garcia reveals what can make Anthony Joshua popular in America when he faces Jake Paul
2019 was intended to be the year that Anthony Joshua became a superstar in America when he headlined Madison Square Garden with Andy Ruiz in the opposite corner.
Instead, the popular Brit suffered the first defeat of his career as he was dropped four times by Ruiz before being stopped in round seven and losing his world titles in one of boxing's biggest ever upsets.
Despite winning the belts back in an immediate rematch, Joshua has not returned to America, once considered the place you had to make an impression if you wanted to become a true star, but he will be back there next month for undoubtedly the strangest fight he has ever participated in.
Paul had been intended to be facing Gervonta Davis, but that fight was postponed with ‘Tank’ currently involved in legal disputes relating to domestic violence.
Joshua has stepped in to replace Davis as he plots another crack at heavyweight glory, and the Paul fight is planned to be a platform to take him into a fight with Tyson Fury next year.
Rebuilding his reputation in America is also likely to be a priority for Joshua, and Ryan Garcia, one of the biggest American fighters out there, believes a knockout win for Joshua could make him a firm favourite amongst boxing fans in his country.
“It won’t affect his legacy because it's Jake Paul. People have such a disgust for him,” said Garcia when speaking to Covers.com .
“I don't think it affects it. It might make him ten times more popular in the U.S. 100% it would. It's the best move for AJ. It's a win-win situation. You make all this money, and you're not gonna get that, shunned down for knocking out Jake Paul, because it's Jake Paul.”
Watch Whittaker vs. Gavazi with a DAZN subscription
Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut against Benjamin Gavazi exclusively on DAZN this Saturday night, November 29. Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
