Anthony Joshua's former sparring Demsey McKean is confident he has the skills to send the Brit into retirement.
McKean, 32, helped Joshua prepare for his first fight against Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, but things didn't go as planned for 'AJ' as he lost his titles to the Ukrainian. Another loss to Usyk in their rematch last August means Joshua is without a win for over two years and McKean has revealed that he is in talks to fight the former two-time heavyweight champion next.
"We are one of the frontrunners for a possible opponent for Anthony Joshua. I could be [the man to retire Joshua] and I am very confident I can do that. Don't get me wrong, there are still more fights for AJ. If he loses to me, a top-10 heavyweight as well, that shouldn't be the end," McKean told Sky Sports.
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Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn recently laid out his plan for 'AJ' which involves facing an opponent such as McKean before setting up fights with Dillian Whyte and Deontay Wilder later in the year. McKean, who is unbeaten in 22 professional fights, still thinks that Joshua is the biggest name in boxing despite his poor run of form.
"People probably don't give him the credit he deserves, what he has done for the heavyweight game. He has brought a lot of eyes and money into the heavyweight division. He is probably the biggest name in boxing, everyone is after him, including me. It is the name to have on your resume," McKean added.
"There are still fights to be made but three losses in a row, does he need to keep doing this? He is well set up now, he probably still has his doubts, I know that. But who wouldn't when they are at the top, in the limelight and cop a lot of criticism. There are a lot of factors but I have the skills to do that [retire him] for sure."
McKean's promoter Angelo Di Carlo chimed in by stating that his fighter would be open to facing Joshua in Australia or the UK, stating: "We are in discussion with our promotional partner Eddie Hearn regarding Demsey's next fight.
"We have made it clear that we are ready for the big fights and are more than willing to take on AJ in Australia or England. Demsey is now No 10 in the WBO and No 11 in the IBF. So whether it's AJ or another, he is well positioned for a big fight in 2023."
