ED FOR HEIGHTS

EDDIE HEARN believes Anthony Joshua will become the biggest sports star in Britain if he beats Wladimir Klitschko.

And the Matchroom promoter also thinks he will be the most recognisable name in world boxing.

The Watford-born fighter is already a household name thanks to his London 2012 Olympic gold medal but his popularity continues to soar.

While there still remains a question mark over Joshua’s capabilities at the elite end of the pro game, despite being 18 fights unbeaten, there is no doubting his star quality.

Hearn (right) said: “I believe victory this Saturday will make him the biggest star in British sport and probably the biggest star in world boxing. He’s fighting for that as well as the legacy.

“His profile is incredible and the brands supporting him are partly responsible for that profile.

“You can’t be in a key market without seeing a billboard of Anthony Joshua.

“Someone sent me one of him today from Dubai. Another one from Los Angeles and Germany. He’s everywhere. But we’re only scratching the surface. “He said to me the other day, ‘I want to keep going for 10 years’. I thought, ‘Blimey, you’re fighting Wladimir Klitschko next week at Wembley in front of 90,000 people and you want 10 years!’” That means Hearn may soon have to take Joshua on the road to showcase his talent and further increase his mammoth earning power. “The journey evolves through fighting in different markets,” said Hearn. “It’s the only way it can do. “You can’t keep fighting in England for 10 years. You’re going to run out of opponents. “So the challenge will be to break down barriers and find new markets, whether it’s Africa, the Middle East, the Far East or America.”

Sky Sports Box Office will show Joshua v Klitschko exclusively live. To order go to www.skysports.com/ joshua