Jordan questioned whether Joshua’s achievements lived up to the status he maintained for much of his professional career.

“Anthony, with all respect to him and his achievements, has risen to a higher level than he actually is,” Simon said on talkSport Boxing.

Jordan said he has long viewed Tyson Fury as the best fighter and returned to criticism he had previously made about Joshua’s resume and standing in the sport.

“I always said Tyson Fury was the better fighter, I looked at Anthony Joshua and I often said I thought he was a bully on a flat track.”

Jordan pointed to some of Joshua’s biggest wins and losses, wondering if these performances validate the level of praise he has received throughout his career.

Coach Peter Fury offered a more balanced assessment. While praising Joshua’s achievements as a two-time heavyweight champion, he suggested that the former champion relied heavily on his natural power and did not always maximize his technical skills.

“I think Joshua was a little bit lacking because he was relying on it too much. He’s always looking for that one shot, and if you’re looking for that one shot, that’s your boxing failure,” Peter said.

Joshua will return on July 25 against Kristian Prengi in Saudi Arabia. A two-fight contract has already been signed for the long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, provided that both men make it to the scheduled fights.

Jordan later described the Fury-Joshua clash as “race to the bank arguing that its commercial appeal currently outweighs its sporting importance.

Conor Benn is expected to challenge WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia later this year, and ahead of the fight, his former promoter Eddie Hearn shared his predictions for the fight.

Benn left Hearn and Matchroom Boxing earlier this year under arduous circumstances, choosing to sign with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, abandoning his long-time promoter who had stood by him despite adversity – and unfavorable findings – leading to a heated and public conflict.

Since then Benn successfully returned to action in a 150-pound catchweight bout against Regis Prograisbut for the first time in over four years, he will fight at 147 pounds, challenging for Garcia’s title as the mandatory challenger.

I’m talking to Fighting Hub TVHearn had doubts whether the event should be held in the United States, and chose Ryan Garcia as the “huge favorite”.

“As for this fight, I think it’s a good fight. I don’t think it’s a huge fight in America, I think it’s a huge fight in the UK, obviously Ryan is a huge star in America, Conor isn’t. Ryan is a bigger star in the UK than Conor is in America, and Conor is a huge star in the UK.

“I don’t think it’s a fight that’s going to produce huge numbers, but I like the fight, I think it’s thrilling. I think at 147 pounds, Ryan is the huge favorite. I don’t think Conor should fight at 147 pounds. I like him at over 160 pounds or around that weight class.”

“I don’t see any way he can beat Ryan Garcia at 147 pounds.”

The Garcia vs. Benn event is expected to take place in Las Vegas in September, and Netflix will be a potential broadcaster of the bill.

The debate came to featherlight following Azim’s victory over Steve Claggett on Saturday. In a later speech, trainer Shane McGuigan indicated that the fight with Smith could be made even without a unification title, provided both sides felt that the terms were fair.

Hearn made it clear that he saw the situation very differently.

“It can certainly be achieved without unification, but then it is a voluntary defense. How can it be an equal division? Who has Adam Azim ever defeated?” Hearn told Stomping Ground.

Tell me about his best victory. Claggett.

Dalton Smith went to Up-to-date York and knocked out Subriel Matias to win the WBC world title. How can we even talk about equal distribution?”

Smith won the WBC title with a victory over Matias earlier this year, which established him as one of the top 140-pound fighters in the conversation. Azim remains undefeated and highly regarded, but Hearn argued that his record did not justify parity at the negotiating table.

The Matchroom chairman then turned his attention to Azim’s commercial value, criticizing the turnout at Saturday’s event and insisting that Smith offered the challenger a chance rather than negotiate on an equal footing.

“By the way, I love Adam Azim, I think he’s a wonderful kid and a great fighter. But as far as promotion goes, this is the worst job I’ve ever seen.” Hearn said,

It was empty there on Saturday [for Azim vs. Steve Claggett].

Don’t get me started on equal sharing. Get in line. Do what they tell you. You are a voluntary defense. We will make you an offer. If you believe you can win the world title and beat Dalton Smith, you can win it. If not, go and get the belt. We will achieve great unification.”

The Smith-Azim fight remains one of the biggest all-British fights available in the division, but Hearn’s comments suggest any negotiations could start with significant disagreement over who deserves a bigger share of the purse.