Anthony Joshua, former two-time heavyweight champion, suffered a significant setback in his quest to reclaim a world title when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September. Despite this defeat, former heavyweight boxer David Price believes Joshua possesses the resilience and skill to recapture a version of the heavyweight crown. While acknowledging that becoming undisputed or unified champion might be a stretch at this point, Price argues that winning another title is a realistic goal for Joshua, given his experience and past comeback successes. This perspective stems from Price’s own personal experience with the devastating impact of defeat and his respect for Joshua’s ability to bounce back from setbacks, a trait he believes sets Joshua apart from many.
Joshua’s journey back to the top wouldn’t be without hurdles. He’ll need to meticulously strategize his upcoming fights and choose opponents wisely. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has presented a slate of seven potential opponents, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. This list includes Martin Bakole, a powerful Congolese fighter known for his aggressive style; Dillian Whyte, a familiar foe with whom Joshua has a history of fierce rivalry; Deontay Wilder, a formidable puncher possessing devastating knockout power; Zhilei Zhang, a skilled southpaw who recently gave Joe Joyce a tough fight; Agit Kabayel, a German boxer with a solid record; Daniel Dubois, the man who handed Joshua his recent defeat, presenting an opportunity for revenge; and Joseph Parker, a former WBO champion who has previously shared the ring with Joshua. Navigating this complex landscape of opponents will be crucial for Joshua’s resurgence.
Joshua’s prior to the Dubois loss, string of victories against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level. These wins, while not against the absolute elite of the division, showcased Joshua’s continued relevance and his capacity to adapt his style. The victory against Ngannou, while contested under boxing rules, underscored Joshua’s marketability and his ability to draw significant interest from the crossover MMA audience. This ability to generate fan excitement and attract viewers will be a key factor in his journey back to the top. It will allow him to command lucrative fights and maintain his position as a major player in the heavyweight division.
Beyond his personal ambitions, Joshua’s impact on the British boxing scene transcends individual titles. Price emphasizes Joshua’s role in ushering in an era of stadium-filling boxing events in the UK. Before Joshua’s rise, such events were rare, often featuring sparse crowds even for high-profile fighters like Frank Bruno. Joshua’s partnership with Sky Sports, combined with his charismatic personality and thrilling fighting style, captivated a new generation of boxing fans, transforming the landscape of the sport. This created a ripple effect, benefiting other British fighters and elevating boxing’s status as a major sporting spectacle. This legacy, regardless of future title victories, solidifies Joshua’s place as a transformative figure in British boxing history.
The upcoming choices in Joshua’s career will be pivotal. He must carefully select opponents that offer both a winnable fight and a significant step towards another title shot. A calculated approach to opponent selection and fight preparation is crucial, particularly given the competitive nature of the current heavyweight landscape. Fighters like Tyson Fury’s, Oleksandr Usyk, and the emerging talents of Dubois and others make the path back to the top fraught with challenges. While Joshua possesses power and proven boxing skills, demonstrating adaptation and refining his strategy will be essential for him to overcome these obstacles and reclaim a place among the elite of the division.
The narrative of Anthony Joshua’s career is one of resilience and adaptation. He has faced setbacks, learned from them, and returned to the ring stronger. While the Dubois loss was a significant blow, it’s not the final chapter of his story. His ability to generate excitement, his experience in high-pressure situations, and his proven power make him a continuous threat in the heavyweight division. The journey back to a world title might be long and arduous, but with the right strategy, rigorous preparation, and the undeniable draw he brings to the sport, Joshua has the potential to once again reach the pinnacle of boxing. The road ahead demands careful navigation and a dedication to evolving his fighting style, but discarding Joshua as a contender would be premature. He remains a force to be reckoned with and a figure capable of reshaping the heavyweight landscape.
