Former world champion Regis Prograis has questioned Anthony Joshua’s standing among today’s elite heavyweights, insisting that while the Brit remains one of boxing’s most marketable names, his fighting ability doesn’t back up the image.
In something World Boxing News has pushed since Joshua arguably won the Olympic gold and subsequently struggled against Dillian Whyte, the last few years have proven a justification.
Now, speaking in a candid interview with Fight Hub TV, the former super lightweight ruler joined WBN in stating that those around him inflated Joshua’s profile due to his physique and public appeal rather than what he brings between the ropes.
Anthony Joshua’s elite status
Asked whether Joshua still deserves recognition as a top heavyweight after defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr, Oleksandr Usyk twice, and Daniel Dubois, Prograis was blunt.
“Can we call Anthony Joshua a top heavyweight? I don’t think we can keep calling him that,” Prograis said.
The Fight Hub interviewer suggested that Joshua’s résumé still puts him inside the top five, particularly with Usyk dominating the division.
Prograis pushed back, “Top five? I don’t know,” he replied. “I would say top ten. You still have fighters out there.
“They don’t have names like Anthony Joshua because he is just marketable. He looks like a damn superhero. Six-foot-six, ripped up, shredded, so he looks like a superhero.
“Marketability, yeah, he is top. But as far as fighting skills, I think they have got other people that feel like they can definitely beat him, so yeah, I don’t know.”
❌ “Can we call Anthony Joshua a top heavyweight? I don’t know if we can!”-Regis Prograis
-Prograis says Joshua is not a top 5 heavyweight and explains why!
-AJ is just marketable🔗: https://t.co/cRUws7TWSq pic.twitter.com/TwXtcucXBW
— Fight Hub TV (@FightHubTV) August 19, 2025
AJ’s position in today’s heavyweight landscape
Joshua remains one of the sport’s most significant commercial forces, packing stadiums across the UK and drawing attention whenever he fights. However, the Prograis comments echo a growing sentiment among fighters, media, and fans regarding Joshua’s exposed weaknesses at the highest level.
Andy Ruiz Jr. dethroned the former two-time unified champion in 2019, and Usyk twice outboxed him in his most important fights.
Despite returning to winning ways against the likes of Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Francis Ngannou, doubts persist after a stunning knockout by Dubois.
‘The Rougarou’s’ assessment draws a line between image and substance. Joshua’s imposing physique and polished public persona make him a dream for promoters and broadcasters.
On the other hand, critics argue that his performances inside the ropes lack the adaptability and grit shown by rivals such as Usyk and Tyson Fury.
Muhammad Ali Comparisons
Whether Joshua belongs in the top five or outside the top ten, the debate highlights the shifting narrative surrounding a fighter once regarded as the clear face of the heavyweight division by his promoter and best friend in boxing, Eddie Hearn.
The Matchroom boss drew comparisons to Muhammad Ali at one point, statements that did the Watford man few favors when it came to backing up those words.
At 35, Joshua still has little time to change opinions. With the heavyweight landscape in flux, few opportunities could allow him to prove Prograis wrong.
For now, the perception lingers: Joshua may look like an all-conquering puncher, but his place among the elite remains under serious question.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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