Nigerian-born British two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly exploring alternative options for his next fight while Tyson Fury remains in retirement.
Fury, a 36-year-old British former heavyweight champion, shocked the boxing world by announcing his retirement following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua is coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Dubois is set to defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight champion title against Joseph Parker next Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Joshua will be watching closely, with the possibility of facing the winner as he aims to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
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Despite Joshua’s knockout loss to Dubois in September, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn dismissed speculation about Joshua’s retirement. He noted that Joshua remains dedicated and sharp in training, indicating that retirement discussions are premature.
“Right now, because Tyson Fury is retired—so put him to the side for one second—the number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title,” promoter Eddie Hearn told BetFred.
“That’s 99 per cent of what he wants to do, and if that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem. If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem. If AJ decides that’s the fight he wants, then it’s done.”
Hearn also dismissed any speculation that Anthony Joshua could soon join Fury in retirement.
“Not yet, but that time will come,” he said. “Those conversations usually happen based on how someone performs in camp. If you haven’t got it anymore, it becomes apparent—injuries get worse, you struggle in sparring, and you lose sharpness. That’s when the team will have a conversation.”
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