Former WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne is already in training camp, working ahead of a hoped for shot at IBF heavyweight ruler Anthony Joshua at the end of the year. Joshua has spoken of wanting to get a second voluntary title defence in before moving on to face his mandatory, Joseph Parker, early next year. And Joshua said he would be interested in fighting Stiverne, as he feels the fight would have a good chance of going into the later rounds, where A.J is keen to show his stamina (he has of course not yet gone past the 7th-round as a pro).
Stiverne, still represented by Don King, spoke with Sky Sports today and the Haitian said talks between King and Joshua’s representatives have begun. Stiverne says he told King to “make it happen,” and that he is now waiting for the call telling him he has the title shot.
“I’m actually in camp right now,” Stiverne revealed to Sky Sports. “Getting ready a little earlier will not hurt me – better to stay ready than to get ready when I get a call. [Joshua’s representatives] have been back and forth with Don King but I don’t have any details about the conversation. The last conversation I had with Mr. King, I told him to make it happen. All I’m waiting on is the call.”
So, can Stiverne, now aged 37 and 25-2-1(21) become a two-time king? Last seen looking decidedly average in getting off the floor to out-point Derric Rossy in November of last year, Stiverne’s main problem in a Joshua fight would perhaps be ring-rust. When in top shape, however, Stiverne is a durable and powerfully dangerous fighter. It all depends on how much Stiverne has left to offer, but he is saying all the right things – insisting Joshua is “still green,” and that the 2012 Olympian is “tailor-made for me.”
Stiverne insists his power would be too much for Joshua, who “stays in front of his opponents,” and is “too stiff with too much muscle.” The fight would certainly prove interesting if it took place, and if Stiverne came to fight, was in top shape and fully motivated, Joshua could well have the toughest test of his 18-bout pro career. Stiverne of course took reigning WBC heavyweight ruler Deontay Wilder the full 12-rounds in losing his belt – could Joshua make a statement by KO’ing the man known as “B. Ware” where Wilder couldn’t?
