Former champion John Conteh believes it is only a matter of time before Watford’s Anthony Joshua lands one of the world heavyweight titles.

Joshua has brushed aside all his opponents with nine early knockouts since turning professional and his latest bout is on Saturday against veteran boxer Michael Sprott in Liverpool.

Conteh is in no doubt that Joshua, who turned pro in July 2013, will go on to win a world title in the future after his seamless progression since winning Olympic gold two years ago.

Conteh, who lives in Northwood, said: “He’s a huge talent as his background proved as an Olympic champion. He’s got a tremendous pedigree and has proved it with the pressure he’s been under to win an Olympic gold medal in a short period of time. Now he is on the professional side and he will win at least a couple of versions of the world title if not unify all of them. He’s a tremendous talent.

“He will definitely win certain versions of the title. As far as unification of the titles is concerned, that’s a tougher job again because there are about five versions of it. As he goes up he has to have the full package because the people he will be up against at the next level will have it.

“He’s done his job and everything that’s been asked of him so far. He’s prepared properly so it’s exciting to look forward to in the future.”

Conteh, who won the WBC light heavyweight title 40 years ago, said: “It’s just a matter of time. He’s going to get to the world championship area.

"Whether he stays there or not depends how he responds to the fighters he’s up against and how’s he going to grow, which he needs to so that when he gets there he successfully defends the championship against all the other versions of the title.

"The higher you go you’ve got to have the full package and will be tested.”

Sprott is a huge underdog this weekend with the 39-year-old expected to be the latest opponent to feel the brutal power of Joshua.

But the 25-year-old, who is yet to go past three rounds as a professional, insists he will not under-estimate Sprott.

Joshua said: “It’s never good to overlook anyone and it’s a dangerous thing especially at heavyweight. I’ve watched a few of Michael Sprott’s videos and he’s someone that’s experienced, a heavyweight contender and has mixed at a high level with really good opponents.”

Although Sprott is coming towards the end of his boxing career, Conteh believes he still has the power to give the Watford heavyweight something to think about.

Conteh said: “Sprott is cagey and a very experienced fighter. He has a good chin and it’s not an easy fight. I’m sure he’s got himself up for it. People may think he’s over the hill and he is as far as being in his 20s or 30s is concerned. He’s at the back end of 30 but these lads are going on longer and stronger now particularly in the heavyweight division.

“He can punch so Joshua’s going to be tested and has to be careful. If he gets hit he’s got to show he can come back from it at that level so all these fights are exciting leading up to the big championships. Every level is going to be higher as he moves along.

“I would think age is a great thing going against Michael. I think his best years are behind him but you can never take the punch away from these heavyweights. I would expect Joshua to win. It would be a bit of a shock if he didn’t.”

Joshua is on the undercard of the grudge pay per view match between Nathan Cleverly and home favourite Tony Bellew at the Echo Arena and Conteh expects a great atmosphere on Merseyside.

He said: “It will be fabulous because it’s the heavyweight division and he’s a young fighter. He’s done everything asked of him and he’s moving up to the next level and the vision ahead is the world championship.

"So all the audience are on that vehicle of someone that’s taking them to the world title and they’re going there with him. It’s exciting.

“It’s a fantastic venue. It’s absolutely wonderful for boxing and is a bit like the O2 down here. There’s great support and it’s a sporting crowd up there with a great atmosphere so everyone’s looking forward to it.”

Conteh was speaking after a Box Cleva presentation in Leavesden on Wednesday. He is a patron of the charitable association which runs weekly sporting and educational sessions for seven to 15 year olds.

“Anthony is a great supporter of this and I’ve been to a couple of these with him,” said Conteh.

“Unfortunately he couldn’t be here today because he’s preparing for his fight. It’s great to see guys like him, particularly from the Watford area, coming through and knowing how important it is to help kids on a path by inspiring them to utilise their talents.”