Anthony Joshua may have a new challenge after a former heavyweight foe moved to 7-0 in London, keeping his one hundred percent knockout record.
Mihai Nistor, who ‘Bambi-legged’ Joshua in 2011 – leading to the referee waving off their amateur fight, is ripping through his opponents.
After a run in America under Golden Boy, Nistor is looking for a new home after severing ties with Oscar De La Hoya.
Fighting in Brentwood earlier this month, Nistor could be too close to home for Joshua after calling for a pro rematch on many occasions since turning professional.
Anthony Joshua knocked out by Mihai Nistor
Speaking to the BBC after beating Joshua in a head guard and vest, Nistor said: “It was a special day.
“My trainer told me not to worry. Joshua is big, but he’ll go down quickly if you punch him correctly. I didn’t know who he was or what he would become.
“He was a good boxer. He was moving all the time, and he had a strong punch. I beat him in 2011, and in 2012, he was an Olympic champion,” he added.
Years later, after entering the paid ranks, Nistor spoke to World Boxing News exclusively to air his views on AJ.
“I will fight Anthony Joshua anytime,” Nistor told WBN before discussing the end of his tenure with De La Hoya.
“Leaving Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya was a business decision. I took the decision together with my advisor,” Nistor told WBN.
“There wasn’t any plan in place to be promoted at the fast rate. I left on very good terms. I am looking forward to a better future.”
On his relationship with Oscar De La Hoya, Nistor added: “I just saw him only once at my last fight.
“Oscar De La Hoya didn’t know anything about me. We took a picture [together] and nothing else.”
Heavyweight rematch angle
Nistor certainly has an angle for the fight with Joshua as an up-and-coming contender. Joshua has begun moving down the rankings since losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk, who beat Nistor in five rounds when they met in the amateurs.
Joshua has defeated Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. If the former world champion moves any lower down the ratings system, promoter Eddie Hearn would have to look at a Nistor revenge mission.
The Matchroom boss certainly has a selling point after Nistor became the first man to knock Joshua out.
Jhan Carlo Delgado was despatched in three rounds by Nistor on September 2, becoming only the second man to go more than two rounds with the Romanian puncher.
