Former boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko recently commented on Anthony Joshua's reign as champion in the boxing world.

Klitschko is a former opponent of Joshua's, facing him in April 2017, losing the fight via knockout. 

The Ukrainian is, therefore, no stranger to AJ, knowing him both inside the ring and out.

With this first-hand experience of Joshua's ability, Klitschko recently offered his prediction for both the short-term and the long-term future of his reign.

Speaking to the BBC, Klitschko gave his prediction on Joshua's reign. 

Klitschko himself is no stranger to long title reigns, holding the lineal world heavyweight championship for nine years, only ending in 2015 at the hands of Tyson Fury. 

He had this to say on Anthony Joshua and his reign as champion.

"We will see how much and how big his desire is to stay successful," he started.

"It's easy to have success for a short period of time but to maintain it for a long time is really challenging.

"I'm a fan of Joshua so, due to his athletic qualities and age, I think he is going to hold the belts for a very long time."

Predicting a long reign for Anthony Joshua is a rather big statement.

The Brit has proven his desire and will to be successful is there, with the success that he has had in recent months being testament to that.

In an outstanding show of sportsmanship, Klitschko spoke of how he is a fan of his former foe, an extremely good willed comment to make.

He spoke of the "athletic qualities" that the young champion possesses, that have allowed him to have the success he has.

Not only that, Klitschko also gave his opinion on a possible Joshua vs Wilder showdown, and also about the upcoming Wilder/Fury showdown.

On AJ vs Wilder, the Ukrainian said: "Anthony Joshua is younger, he is definitely got talent, he's heavier and he has heavy hands.

"Wilder is lighter. He has more experience in the professional boxing ring whereas Joshua is Olympic champion and has a great Olympic background, which Wilder doesn't have."

And on Fury vs the American, Klitschko said: "Wilder is a great puncher, he's very quick with his hands.

"On the other hand, he is facing an opponent that is awkward. It's going to be really exciting and I'm looking forward to it."

Giving his prediction for the future of Joshua and the future of the championship, he believes that the belts will remain around the waste of Joshua for a while longer to come, potentially dismissing any and all threats in the division at this current moment.