Former heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua could be entering his final year in the sport, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
In an interview with The Times, the Matchroom Sport chief has hinted at what the future could look like for the 35-year-old. Joshua was beaten by Daniel Dubois earlier this year, a damaging defeat for the two-time heavyweight champion of the world who had been eyeing a third stint at the top of the division..
Hearn had previously stated that Joshua would consider activating the rematch clause in the deal, with a rematch mooted for February 2025. However, Joshua has sustained a few niggling injuries, casting doubt over the rematch, likely pushing the fight back to later in the year.
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Brentwood-born promoter Hearn has been by Joshua’s side throughout his career, having also worked with the likes of Canelo Álvarez, Gennady Golovkin, Vasyl Lomachenko and Katie Taylor, all of whom have gone on to be world champions. Joshua was forced to deny retirement calls after his defeat to Dubois, insisting he still had more to give in the sport.
Speaking after Katie Taylor’s recent win over Amada Serrano, with retirement looming for the Irish fighter, Hearn also said: “this could be [Joshua’s] last year in the sport.” The general consensus is that AJ, who has amassed an estimated £175million from his boxing career, will face Tyson Fury in his final fight before hanging up his gloves.
Joshua is said to chomping at the bit to arrange a rematch with Dubois, which will likely take place in May or June, according to Hearn. Speaking to The Sun earlier this month, Hearn said: “He wanted to fight on February 22 but unfortunately we kind of had to overrule him on this and say no because we can’t afford not to get this right.
“If you get beaten again by Daniel Dubois you have to seriously consider your future. We got one last chapter in this career that we need to make sure we get 100 per cent spot on.
“So when he comes back in May or June or whenever that’s gonna be you got to be physically mentally 100 per cent ready. He wants to rematch Daniel so bad.”
Earlier this week, speculation saw YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, linked with a fight with Joshua, having been called out by Dubois following his win over Mike Tyson. Promoter, Nakisa Bidarian has suggested that a bout with both heavyweights is an enticing proposition for the American fighter.
It remains to be seen whether Joshua would engage in talks with Paul, but a super fight with Fury would be the biggest fight in the heavyweight division, despite both fighters having lost to Oleksandr Usky – the current reigning heavyweight champion of the world.
Both Fury and AJ have gone back and fourth over the years, but neither party has been able to strike a deal. There’s hope among boxing that a fight can be agreed for next year.
