Anthony Joshua’s Return to the Ring: A Clash of Opinions and Uncertainties
The boxing world is abuzz with speculation surrounding the return of former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last September. While his promoter, Eddie Hearn, paints a picture of a fighter eager to return to training camp, others, like fellow heavyweight Derek Chisora, express concerns about Joshua’s readiness, suggesting he needs more time to recover both physically and mentally from the Dubois loss. This divergence of opinions creates a cloud of uncertainty around Joshua’s immediate future, raising questions about the timing, opponent, and overall strategy for his comeback.
Chisora, who shares management with Joshua, believes the British-Nigerian boxer is not yet prepared to step back into the ring. He suggests that Joshua requires a period of healing and reflection before attempting to re-establish himself in the heavyweight division. Chisora envisions Joshua’s eventual return not as a fight against himself, but as a challenge to the current heavyweight king, Tyson Fury, implying that Joshua needs to rebuild his confidence and sharpen his skills before tackling such a formidable opponent.
Contradicting Chisora’s perspective, Eddie Hearn insists that Joshua is eager to recommence training and has identified six potential opponents for his comeback fight. Hearn actively dismisses rumors about signed agreements with either Martin Bakole or Deontay Wilder, emphasizing that no concrete decisions have been made. He portrays Joshua as a fighter ready to face any challenger, highlighting his unwavering willingness to compete against anyone in the heavyweight division. This portrayal presents Joshua as a determined and resilient competitor undeterred by the Dubois setback.
The financial implications of Joshua’s return also add another layer to the ongoing narrative. With a reported $200 million earned throughout his career, including a staggering $75 million in 2024 alone, Joshua’s next move carries significant financial weight. He still has one fight remaining on his lucrative Riyadh Season contract, which further fuels speculation about the location and opponent for his comeback. The lucrative nature of the contract adds pressure to choose an opponent who can generate significant interest and deliver a compelling spectacle for the Saudi Arabian audience.
Several potential opponents are being considered for Joshua’s return. Among them are the winners of two upcoming high-profile fights: the IBF title clash between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, and the WBC interim title bout between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel. Both fights are scheduled for February 22nd in Saudi Arabia, conveniently aligning with Joshua’s remaining contractual obligation in the region. This strategic scheduling could facilitate a seamless transition into Joshua’s next fight, capitalizing on the existing infrastructure and promotional momentum.
However, the narrative surrounding potential opponents takes a twist with conflicting reports about a potential match-up against Martin Bakole. While Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, claims that a deal is “done” for a fight in Congo, boxing journalist Gareth A Davis and Joshua’s team deny any such discussions. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of Shalom’s claims and highlights the complexities of negotiating high-profile boxing matches. It also underscores the use of media speculation as a tactic to generate buzz and potentially influence the decision-making process.
Adding to the intrigue, Matchroom CEO Frank Smith projects a summer return for Joshua, indicating that his team is actively exploring various options while aiming for a timeframe that allows for adequate preparation and maximizes promotional opportunities. This timeframe aligns with the potential outcomes of the Dubois-Parker and Zhang-Kabayel fights, allowing Joshua’s team to assess the landscape and make an informed decision based on the results. The summer timeframe also provides ample time to build anticipation and generate global interest in Joshua’s return. The convergence of these factors – financial incentives, potential opponents, and strategic timing – creates a complex backdrop for Joshua’s comeback, transforming it into a high-stakes chess match with significant implications for the heavyweight division.
