Anthony Joshua vs. Michael Sprott: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream, TV Info, More
Slowly but steadily, Anthony Joshua (9-0, 9 KO) is moving toward becoming a serious contender for a world title in the heavyweight division. The 6'6", 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist in the 2012 London Games has smashed every opponent within three rounds. On Saturday, Joshua will look to make it a perfect 10 as he faces former BBBofC heavyweight champion Michael Sprott (42-22, 17 KO).
It's not exactly a bout that will put Joshua one step away from a shot at Wladimir Klitschko—or even Bermane Stiverne and Deontay Wilder—but it is the first fairly recognizable name on the prospect's resume. This bout will be part of the massive card Saturday night at the Echo Arena.
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The event is headlined by the rematch between Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly.
Here's how you can watch.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. GMT)
Where: Echo Arena in Liverpool, United Kingdom
TV: Sky Box Office
Live Stream: BoxNation (subscription required and region restricted)
The Book on Joshua
If you are looking for a young prospect who looks like a future heavyweight champion, Joshua is the one to watch. He's huge, athletic and massively strong.
He also has the type of personality that could endear him to American fans and the locals in the United Kingdom.
Up to now, every step of Joshua's career has been carefully plotted, and he's crushed the low-level competition as most would expect. Because he's so young—especially by elite heavyweight standards—he still has a lot to learn.
He's humble enough to know that. In fact, he's talked about "picking the brain" of his opponent after their bout.
Per Sky Sports, Joshua said, "I’ve sparred with Klitschko and he has as well, and we’re going to compete, so maybe after the fight it’ll be good to have a conversation about our experience and what Sprott thinks I can do in the division."
If he has his way, he may have to wait at least 10 seconds to have this conversation. If he continues on his current streak, we may not have to wait much longer before we see him in the ring with someone who can really test his mettle.
The Book on Sprott
In his career, Sprott has faced a who's who of British heavyweight boxing. He's had two bouts with the underachieving Audley Harrison, two against Matt Skelton—whom Joshua already stopped—and three against Danny Williams. Perhaps the only British heavyweights of note over the last 15 years that Sprott hasn't fought are David Haye and Dereck Chisora.
That's not exactly a murderer's row of talent, but as far as British heavyweights are considered, that's about as good as it gets since Lennox Lewis retired.
Sprott's number of losses is a bit off-putting, and I would also use "off-putting" to describe the amount of fights he's lost by stoppage (12). But he should have enough presence to show Joshua something the younger fighter hasn't seen in the ring.
Even the slightest wrinkle that causes Joshua discomfort might serve as a glimpse into the big heavyweight's future.
It's doubtful any approach Sprott makes would be enough to trouble Joshua too much, but perhaps we might see the fourth round this time.
Prediction
Sprott is at two huge disadvantages in this one. He's giving up 4.5" in height to a man 14 years his junior. Combine that with the fact that Joshua also hits like a ton of bricks, and this one is going to end in another knockout win for the former Olympian.
He might extend this a bit to get some work in, but the Joshua train will continue to roll Saturday night.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.
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