AJ's Back From His Desert Sabbatical and Ready to Wreck Shop

By Lewis Barnett 2 July, 2025 6 mins read 40 Views

Honestly? I didn't think Anthony Joshua had it in him to just... disappear for a year.

The guy who's been grinding non-stop since he was 18 – Olympic gold at 22, world champion by 26 – suddenly decides to ghost the heavyweight division after Daniel Dubois knocked him into next week back in September. Smart move, actually. His body was screaming for mercy and he finally listened.

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Why AJ Went Full Hermit Mode

At Matchroom's fancy rebranding event (because apparently boxing promotions need makeovers now), Joshua dropped some truth bombs about his extended vacation. "I took a year out, first time in about 12 to 13 years as a professional, not even including the amateur stuff," he said, looking refreshed as hell.

The man had elbow surgery. Then jetted off to the Middle East and Africa for what sounds like the most expensive gap year ever.

"I'm at a different stage in my career where I can look at time a bit differently," Joshua explained, sounding like he's been reading self-help books between camel rides. "I gotta make like really executive decisions about what I do next."

The Storm's Coming (Apparently)

Here's where it gets interesting – and slightly terrifying for the rest of the heavyweight division.

AJ isn't planning some gentle comeback fight against a journeyman. Nope. He wants to "take the division by storm again" when he returns in November or December. Those are his words, not mine, but the confidence is... well, it's either inspiring or delusional. Time will tell.

"The minute I come back, you know I'll come back with a bang rather than just keep rolling through and just going with the motions of the sport," he said. Translation: no tune-ups, no easy nights at the office.

When Your Dream Fight Retires on You

Poor AJ. The Tyson Fury mega-fight that everyone wanted? Dead in the water after Fury announced his retirement in January following those brutal losses to Usyk.

And knowing Fury's track record with "retirement," he'll probably announce his comeback the day after Joshua signs with someone else. Classic Tyson timing.

Wilder: The Dangerous Consolation Prize

So who's left? Deontay Wilder, apparently. The Bronze Bomber who looked finished after Joseph Parker outboxed him and Zhilei Zhang knocked him unconscious is suddenly back in the conversation.

Eddie Hearn's been chatting with Wilder's people, though initially about a fight with Dave Allen (seriously?). But now he's talking about going straight for the Joshua-Wilder blockbuster that's been five years in the making.

"There's jeopardy in it, it's dangerous," Hearn admitted, which is promoter-speak for "someone's getting knocked out cold and it might be our guy."

Both fighters are 35+ with recent knockout losses on their records. Both still carry nuclear weapons in their fists. It's the kind of fight that either revives a career or ends it permanently.

The Saudi Connection (Again)

Remember when Turki Alalshikh tried to make Joshua-Wilder happen last year? Before Wilder got starched twice in a row and the whole thing fell apart?

Well, guess what's back on the table. Because apparently in 2025, every big fight has to go through Riyadh first.

Hearn's practically salivating over the possibilities: "That's the kind of fight you announce and it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger." He's not wrong – two massive punchers with everything to prove and nothing left to lose.

Joshua's year off better have been worth it. Because when he steps back through those ropes, there's no room for ring rust against a guy who can end fights with one perfectly timed right hand.

The heavyweight division's been pretty boring without him, to be honest. Time to see if the break fixed what was broken or just delayed teh inevitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dangers of professional boxing?

Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. This includes acute injuries like cuts, bruises broken bones and head trauma as well as chronic conditions such as concussions or neurological disorders. Boxing regulations, safety gear, and proper training can help reduce risks. However, they cannot be completely eliminated. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.

What equipment is necessary for a new professional boxer?

The essential boxing equipment for someone who is just getting started in professional fighting includes gloves, wraps, a headgear and footwear. For technical training, a heavy bag, a speed bag, a double-end bag and other aids are essential. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.

Can anyone learn to box professionally?

Not everyone can compete at the professional level. The combination of talent, physical ability, mental toughness and dedication is required for professional boxing. Prospective boxers must also be willing to face the inherent risks of the sport. A thorough screening by a boxing trainer can determine whether someone has the potential to pursue a career in professional boxing.

What are the requirements to train for professional boxing?

In order to begin professional boxing training, you must be physically fit, have discipline and be willing to learn. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. It is crucial to join an experienced boxing club with trained trainers that understand the nuances and complexities of professional competition. To develop their skills, new boxers will undergo rigorous conditioning drills as well as sparring and technique drills.

What should you look for when choosing a boxing trainer?

If you are looking for a boxing trainer or coach, look for someone with experience, who has a proven track record of success, has a similar coaching style and a thorough understanding of both the technical and strategic elements of the sport. A good trainer will emphasize safety, fitness, and personal development. It is also important to find a boxing coach who can motivate you and communicate effectively.

Is there an age limit for boxing?

Age restrictions are in place for professional boxing. Most boxing commissions require boxers to be at least 18 years old to fight professionally. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. The fitness of older athletes and the risks involved in taking up professional sports must be carefully assessed before they begin.

How do boxers keep their weight in check and manage their weight classs?

Boxers maintain their weight with a combination of strict diets, and training. They work with nutritionists on a diet plan designed to help them reach their weight target without sacrificing the nutrition and energy needed for training. It is important to maintain a regular exercise routine and check your weight regularly, especially as you approach a fight. Weight management is a strategic process that, if done incorrectly, can lead to health issues or poor performance.

Statistics

Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.

External Links

How To

How to Mentally Prepare for a Boxing Match

Mental toughness is essential to preparing for a match of boxing. Visualize yourself succeeding on the ring. Establish a routine for calming and focusing your mind prior to a fight. Mental rehearsals of your strategy and tactics can reinforce your game plan. You need to be confident, but also realistic. Meditation and breathing exercises will help you manage anxiety and stress before the fight.

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