Former Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has been confirmed by Promoter Eddie Hearn to have entered the final year of his decorated boxing career, with plans to engage in three more fights before retiring from the sport.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Hearn revealed that Joshua is carefully considering his final matchups, with potential high-profile fights against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, or Joseph Parker on the table.
“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn stated.
“He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”
Joshua Recovering from Injury
The two-time world heavyweight champion is currently recovering from a minor injury sustained after his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September.
Hearn disclosed that Joshua is still not ready to resume full-intensity training.
“He had a niggle after the Dubois fight, he went back into camp, and he’s just not ready to start punching yet with the same ferocity that he needs to,” he explained.
Potential Rematch with Parker
Among the potential opponents, a rematch with Joseph Parker appears particularly intriguing. Joshua previously defeated Parker in 2018 via unanimous decision in Cardiff.
However, Parker has since rejuvenated his career with big victories over Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, and Deontay Wilder, and he is now the WBO mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, is open to the rematch, telling Sky Sports, “I think the whole world would like to see him rematch with AJ.”
“On current form, I think Joseph Parker puts AJ to sleep.”
Hearn’s Dream Fights for Joshua
Hearn highlighted two dream fights for Joshua: a rematch with Dubois or a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury.
However, Fury’s current retirement status casts doubt on a potential fight. His promoter, Frank Warren, remained non-committal, stating;
“If he wanted to come back, that would be his choice. Me, I wouldn’t even discuss it with him.”
Joshua’s Legacy in British Boxing
Beyond his final fights, Hearn reflected on Joshua’s broader impact on British boxing, praising him for transforming the sport.
“He’s changed the face of the sport in this country,” Hearn said.
“He’s paved the way for stadium fights to become a norm and inspired a new generation of young boxers to walk through the doors of an amateur boxing club.”
Despite nearing the end of his career, Hearn insists that Joshua remains motivated.
“He still loves the sport, he still thinks that physically he has a lot to give. This is the final roll of the dice and we’ve got to get it right.”
Joshua is expected to return to the ring in late summer, as he looks to end his career on a high note.
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