Anthony Joshua’s boxing career finds itself at a crossroads, marked by a period of inactivity and a subsequent drop from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight rankings. Following his fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2023, Joshua opted to undergo elbow surgery, forgoing an immediate rematch. This decision, coupled with Dubois’s own loss of the IBF belt to Oleksandr Usyk, has left Joshua without a title and now without a ranking within the IBF’s top contenders. While a potential bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul was briefly on the horizon, Paul’s decision to pursue an exhibition match against Gervonta Davis has further complicated Joshua’s return to the ring. This confluence of events has led to Joshua’s removal from the IBF rankings, where he previously held the sixth position. His absence from the competitive landscape allows other contenders, such as Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba and Moses Itauma, to ascend the rankings, further underscoring Joshua’s current predicament.
The IBF heavyweight rankings, now devoid of Joshua’s presence, reflect the shifting dynamics within the division. Oleksandr Usyk maintains his position as champion, with Derek Chisora and Efe Ajagba occupying the second and third spots, respectively. Moses Itauma’s recent victory over Dillian Whyte has propelled him to fifth place, while Daniel Dubois, despite his loss to Usyk, holds the seventh position. This reshuffling of the rankings highlights the competitive nature of the heavyweight division and the consequences of inactivity for a fighter like Joshua, who once reigned as a two-time world champion. His absence creates opportunities for other contenders to establish themselves and climb the ladder towards a potential title shot.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated that a return to the ring is unlikely before early 2026. He has suggested that Joshua’s next fight will likely serve as a tune-up before a more significant showdown against a top-ranked opponent. This strategy acknowledges the need for Joshua to regain his form and momentum after a period of inactivity and surgical recovery. Hearn has downplayed the urgency of securing a December bout, emphasizing the magnitude of Joshua’s fights and the time required to properly prepare for them. While the exact timeline remains fluid, Hearn’s comments suggest a cautious and strategic approach to Joshua’s comeback, prioritizing a gradual return to top-level competition.
The location of Joshua’s return fight remains a subject of speculation, with Ghana emerging as a potential host country. Hearn has confirmed an offer to stage a fight in Ghana, highlighting the potential significance of Joshua competing in Africa. While acknowledging the appeal of such an event, Hearn maintains that there is no rush to finalize plans, given Joshua’s extended absence from the ring. The possibility of a fight in Ghana represents an intriguing narrative for Joshua’s comeback, potentially tapping into a new fanbase and providing a unique backdrop for his return to action. However, the ultimate decision will likely depend on a variety of factors, including the availability of suitable opponents and the logistical feasibility of organizing a major boxing event in Ghana.
The potential bout against Jake Paul remains a topic of discussion, although its realization hinges on the outcome of Paul’s exhibition match with Gervonta Davis. Hearn has confirmed communication with Paul’s team, indicating their interest in facing Joshua after the Davis exhibition. However, Hearn has also expressed reservations about the fight’s viability if Paul were to lose convincingly to Davis, even in an exhibition format. This cautious approach underscores the importance of Paul maintaining a degree of credibility as an opponent for Joshua, particularly given the latter’s stature and ambitions within the heavyweight division. The uncertainty surrounding the Paul fight further complicates Joshua’s immediate future, adding another layer of complexity to his comeback plans.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his next opponent and the timing of his return, Joshua’s ultimate goal remains a career-defining fight against a top contender. Hearn has emphasized that any upcoming bout will likely serve as a stepping stone towards a more significant showdown, ideally against Tyson Fury. If a fight with Fury proves unattainable, the focus will shift to securing a bout against another top-five heavyweight. This long-term strategy demonstrates Joshua’s continued ambition and his desire to reclaim his position among the elite fighters in the division. While the path back to the top may be challenging, Joshua’s focus remains fixed on securing a legacy-defining fight, solidifying his place in boxing history.
