Watford’s own boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has emerged as the early frontrunner to claim the Sports Personality of the Year title later this year.

The heavyweight has enjoyed a hugely successful year, beating Ukrainian behemoth Wladimir Klitschko in April before defending his three titles with the stoppage of Carlos Takam at the weekend.

Now Joshua is odds-on favourite to become the first boxer to win the coveted BBC award since Joe Calzaghe claimed the honour back in 2007.

New Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is currently second favourite, ahead of Tour De France winner Chris Froome and world athletics champion Mo Farah.

Surprisingly, Bournemouth striker Jermaine Defoe is the fifth favourite, with his listing down to his wonderful work with Bradley Lowery, who passed away with cancer earlier this year.

The six-year-old Sunderland fan struck up a friendship with the England striker, who was at his bedside throughout his illness.

The winner – who will succeed tennis player Andy Murray as the holder of one of British sport’s most coveted prizes – will be crowned at a ceremony in December.