BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017 odds: Anthony Joshua MASSIVE favourite

Joshua began the year as IBF world heavyweight champion but added the WBA belt to his collection in a thrilling win over Wladimir Klitschko.

The legendary Ukrainian knocked Joshua down in front of 90,000 partisan fans at Wembley Stadium but the Brit got off the canvas to score an 11th-round technical knockout.

The April win was the biggest of Joshua’s 19 professional victories and the 28-year-old added a 20th to his record with a successful defence against Carlos Takam at the Principality Stadium last month.

And now Joshua looks set to add the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award to his two world titles and 2012 Olympic gold medal.

The shortlist of 12 was released yesterday and will now be put to a public vote, with Betfair installing Joshua as a 2/9 favourite.

“It’s been a standout year for Anthony Joshua and he’s not only hugely popular with the public but also with punters and he’s the big favourite at 2/9 to win the prestigious award,” said Betfair spokesperson Katie Baylis.

“Lewis Hamilton, who is at 6/1, and Chris Froome at 10/1 have also once again had outstanding years, but Joshua’s continued popularity and huge standing in the boxing world means that he’s the hot favourite to be crowned the nation’s favourite sportsperson on December 17.”

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017 odds

Anthony Joshua 2/9, Lewis Hamilton 6/1, Chris Froome 10/1, Jonathan Rea 20/1, Sir Mo Farah 22/1, Harry Kane 40/1, Jonnie Peacock 66/1, Adam Peaty 66/1, Anya Shrubsole 150/1, Johanna Konta 200/1, Bianca Walkden 200/1, Elise Christie 200/1