Lennox Lewis has backed Anthony Joshua to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

Joshua is seen as the brightest rising star in heavyweight boxing having won all 17 of his fights via knockout since turning professional after winning Olympic gold at London 2012.

Lewis was the last boxer to hold the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight belts at the same time, and he believes that 26-year-old Joshua can emulate his achievements.

"Joshua has come along at the right time, he plays the part and looks the part. I am happy to see that he is winning, and he is in a position where he can change and create history. He has created history because he is a world champion," he told PA.

"Audley Harrison was an Olympic champion but he did not become a world champion, so he overcame that, he has got it off of his back, and the next thing he wants to get is all of the belts. It is very possible for him. He is in the position to do it, he has not been rushed, and he has had 17 fights with 17 knockouts. Obviously, there are going to be guys who come along that Joshua can't knock out.

"And there are still a lot of unanswered questions, such as does he have the stamina, and can he take it on the chin? But we are waiting and we are watching his progression. It is good to have a buzz about him because he is the Olympic champion. That is a gold ticket into the pros, and now everyone wants to be on the wave that is flowing, and that wave is Anthony Joshua. We are going to have to wait and see where that wave ends up."

Joshua currently holds the IBF belt, while American Deontay Wilder and fellow Brit Tyson Fury hold the WBC and WBA belts respectively.