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Brook vs Spence Jr: Anthony Joshua will become the biggest name in boxing, says Errol Spence

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Anthony Joshua says the magnitude of his heavyweight world title fight with Wladimir Klitschko speaks for itself

Anthony Joshua will beat Wladimir Klitschko and go on to "take over boxing", says fellow London 2012 Olympian Errol Spence Jr.

The American welterweight star is back in the UK to go face-to-face with IBF world champion Kell Brook at Bramall Lane ahead of their May 27 fight, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

But with Joshua facing Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium, live on Sky Sports Box Office, before that, Spence Jr not only expects the British heavyweight to win by knockout but believes 'AJ' will become biggest name in boxing.

This is Joshua's time and it's time for Klitschko to pass the torch.
Errol Spence Jr

"I watch British boxing when I can," he told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview before his trip.

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"Britain has a lot of great fighters and I think AJ can take over boxing.

"I think he will beat Klitschko in the middle rounds. Klitschko is crafty but AJ is young and strong heavyweight.

Anthoy Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko
Image: Anthony Joshua will beat Wladimir Klitschko, says Errol Spence Jr

"This is his time and it's time for Klitschko to pass the torch."

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Spence Jr was one of the hottest American prospects that went to the 2012 Olympics in a team that included recently dethroned former bantamweight world champion Rau'shee Warren and Joshua challenger Dominic Breazeale.

Dominic Breazeale
Image: Joshua victim Dominic Breazeale was part of the US Team for London 2012

America failed to pick up a boxing medal for the first time, with the 27-year-old known as 'The Truth' losing in the quarter-finals of a bantamweight competition that saw Great Britain's Fred Evans win silver.

Spence Jr admits the surprise 16-11 loss to Russia's Andrey Zamkovoy hit him hard but there won't be any mental scars to overcome when he returns to the UK to challenge Brook.

Errol Spence (R) of the USA and his corner await the verict against Krishan Vikas of India at London 2012.
Image: Spence Jr missed out on a medal at London 2012

"It was great when I was in the UK, I loved it," he said.

"It [the Olympic defeat] bugged me for a while but it passed and it has lead me to this point. Everything happens for a reason.

"I know I can beat Kell Brook. It won't be easy but I am the No 1 challenger and have worked my way into that position. It is not a mistake."

You can watch the Sheffield press conference with Kell Brook and Errol Spence Jr on Sky Sports News from 3pm.

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