Wladimir Klitschko has backed Anthony Joshua to become the dominant force in boxing’s heavyweight division for years to come.

The 39-year-old Ukrainian currently holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts and is tied on the all-time list for most heavyweight title fights with Joe Louis, both men having fought in 27 title fights.

Joshua’s slate reads 13 knockouts from as many bouts since turning professional in 2013.

The former Olympic gold medallist overcame his recent and most stern test, American veteran Kevin Johnson, with flying colours, earning a brutal second-round knockout.

It is fair to say Klitschko is well-placed to judge the credentials of Watford’s finest and ‘Dr Steelhammer’, who has won 53 of his 67 contests by knockout, is impressed by the 25-year-old from Garston.

“I can talk about Anthony Joshua a lot,” he told Sky Sports’ Ringside.

“I can say a lot of good things about him and I like the way this guy is developing so well.

“I would say – probably on a short line – I am so confident he will become the dominant force in the heavyweight division.

“I would put any money on Anthony Joshua winning any other fight that comes up. That means a lot.”

Joshua last year spent time in Klitschko’s training camp and the heavyweight division’s kingpin revealed he had been taken by surprise by the ease of his victory against Johnson last month.

“I was expecting Anthony to win this fight but I never thought he was going to win that comprehensively,” he admitted.

Joshua returns to the ring at the Manchester Arena on July 18 with his opponent to be confirmed.