Anthony Joshua’s Potential Retirement and Final Fights
Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian boxing star, might be hanging up his gloves in 2026, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn. This projection suggests a final chapter composed of a few high-stakes bouts, potentially culminating in a doubleheader against long-time rival Tyson Fury. Hearn envisions a scenario where Joshua returns later this year, potentially facing off against a formidable opponent to prepare him for the Fury clashes in 2026. This timeline hinges on Joshua’s recovery from elbow surgery and Fury’s potential return to the ring. The promoter believes that after conquering Fury, Joshua would have achieved everything in the sport, leaving little incentive to continue. A potential fight against rising star Daniel Dubois is also on the cards, but the Fury fights remain the central focus of this retirement roadmap.
Joshua’s comeback fight, slated for between October and December 2024, will be his first since a surprising knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. This defeat marked a significant setback for Joshua, disrupting his four-fight winning streak and prompting a reassessment of his career trajectory. The upcoming return fight carries significant weight, as it will be his first after a year-long hiatus and post-surgery. Hearn emphasizes the importance of selecting an opponent who can adequately prepare Joshua for the anticipated Fury showdown in 2026. While Dillian Whyte was initially considered a likely opponent, his potential fight against Moses Itauma has shifted the focus towards other contenders like Deontay Wilder and Jared Anderson.
The landscape of potential opponents for Joshua’s return and subsequent fights is dynamic. Dillian Whyte, the initial frontrunner, appears to be pursuing a bout with rising British-Nigerian prospect Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia, effectively removing him from the equation. This opens the door for other contenders, notably American heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Jared Anderson. Wilder, seeking to rebound from consecutive losses, is scheduled to fight Tyrrell Herndon on June 27th. A decisive win for Wilder could reignite interest in a highly anticipated clash with Joshua. Jared Anderson, a rising star in the heavyweight division, presents another intriguing option for Joshua, offering a fresh challenge and a chance to test himself against the next generation of heavyweights.
While Hearn’s ideal scenario involves Joshua facing Fury twice before retiring, the complexities of boxing’s landscape present other possibilities. A rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxer who inflicted two of Joshua’s four professional defeats, remains a possibility. Such a bout would offer Joshua an opportunity to avenge his previous losses and potentially reclaim his world champion status. However, Hearn acknowledges the risks associated with prolonging Joshua’s career, particularly given the physical demands of the sport. The longer Joshua continues to fight, the greater the chances of further defeats and potential long-term health consequences. Balancing these risks against the allure of further high-profile fights is a key consideration in mapping out Joshua’s future.
The potential showdown between Joshua and Fury represents a defining moment for British boxing, a clash between two of the most prominent figures in the heavyweight division. Despite Fury’s two losses to Usyk and his subsequent retirement announcement, Hearn remains optimistic about the possibility of luring him back for a fight against Joshua. The allure of a massive payday and the historical significance of the fight could prove irresistible for Fury. For Joshua, the fight presents an opportunity to cement his legacy and potentially avenge a previous loss to Fury.
Anthony Joshua’s career stands at a crossroads. He is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion with a record of 28 wins and 4 losses in his 32 professional fights. The most recent loss to Dubois has served as a catalyst for introspection, prompting him to reassess his future in the sport. While his promoter outlines a potential path towards retirement in 2026, the ultimate decision rests with Joshua. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he follows the proposed roadmap or carves a different path for the remainder of his boxing journey.
