Carl Froch Hails Anthony Joshua for Reviving Boxing, Questions Hall of Fame Legacy

British boxing legend Carl Froch has praised Anthony Joshua for revitalizing the sport and drawing massive crowds, acknowledging the former heavyweight champion’s ability to capture mainstream attention—even as he casts doubt on Joshua’s future in boxing.

Froch emphasized Joshua’s role in turning fights into major events that appeal to casual fans. “For me, AJ’s legacy is bringing boxing to the forefront, filling stadiums back-to-back—what, four or five times?” Froch said on his YouTube channel. “People want to come and watch him fight, not just for boxing, but for a big event and a massive occasion.”

Looking ahead, Joshua is set to face YouTube star Jake Paul in Miami on December 19 in an eight-round contest using 10oz gloves. Paul last defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., while Joshua suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Froch, who once drew 80,000 fans to Wembley with George Groves, credited Joshua with building on that momentum.

Despite praising his impact, Froch questioned Joshua’s Hall of Fame credentials. “You have to have back-to-back world-title defences and succeed against elite-level fighters to be in the Hall of Fame,” he said. Joshua plans to use the Paul fight as a tune-up before a February return in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a potential summer showdown with Tyson Fury, with a prize pot nearing £100 million.