Anthony Joshua 'could emulate Muhammad Ali' and become sporting icon

Promoters believe Anthony Joshua could go on to be as popular as his hero Muhammad Ali, as they hatch plans to make him one of sport's biggest stars.

The British boxer's sensational win over Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley has already propelled him to national hero status in the eyes of many fans.

But his management team believe he can become a global phenomenon having now secured the IBF, IBO and WBA heavyweight titles.

Promoter Eddie Hearn is banking on Joshua recapturing the sport's halcyon days of the 1970s, when the sport regularly made the headlines thanks to Ali's 'Rumble In The Jungle' with George Foreman and the 'Thrilla in Manilla' against Joe Frazier.

Hearn said: "In terms of worldwide stardom, I said 'you win this fight and you become the biggest star in British sport and the biggest star in world boxing'.

"The way he won confirmed it to me."