Joshua's Next Fight? Word is He's Eyeing an Olympic Rematch Nobody Saw Coming

By Lewis Barnett 30 July, 2025 6 mins read 104 Views

So I'm scrolling through my usual boxing sources yesterday when Spencer Oliver drops this bombshell that had me spitting out my coffee.

Anthony Joshua – you know, the guy who got absolutely flattened by Daniel Dubois at Wembley back in September – is apparently in serious talks to fight Tony Yoka next. Yeah, that Tony Yoka. The French heavyweight who beat Joe Joyce in that dodgy Olympic final back in 2016.

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Wait, What? That's Actually... Genius?

Oliver, the former European bantamweight champ who usually knows his stuff, told talkSPORT something that made me sit up and pay attention: "Do I think they are going to fight? I think that it is a great possibility. We get two Olympic gold medallists going at it."

And honestly? The more I think about it, the more it makes sense.

Both guys are basically rebuilding their careers from the ground up. Joshua's coming off that brutal knockout (still makes me wince thinking about it), and Yoka... well, let's just say his professional career hasn't exactly lived up to teh Olympic hype. The guy's 17-3, which sounds decent until you realize he lost three fights in a row and got suspended for missing drug tests.

The French Connection Nobody Asked For

Here's what's wild about Yoka – this is a 33-year-old who beat Joyce in Rio in what everyone and their mother knew was a robbery. Then he turns pro in 2017 thinking he's going to steamroll the heavyweight division.

Spoiler alert: he didn't.

His last fight was against some guy named Arslan Yallyev in May, which he won on points. Before that? He was fighting at Tolworth Recreation Centre – and I'm not making this up – which doubles as an indoor football pitch. That's like going from the Olympic podium to your local community center.

Poor guy.

Joshua's Holiday Plans vs Reality

Meanwhile, AJ's been living it up in Mykonos (saw the photos on Instagram – man's looking relaxed), probably trying to forget that Daniel Dubois turned his lights out five months ago. He had elbow surgery earlier this summer, which explains the extended vacation time.

But here's where it gets interesting. Everyone's been talking about this Jake Paul nonsense – which, listen, would be a payday but also career suicide – when apparently the real conversations are happening with Yoka's camp.

Oliver thinks it's "a sellable fight" and honestly, he's not wrong. Two Olympic gold medalists, history between their countries, both trying to claw their way back to relevance. It writes itself.

The Fury Factor (Because There's Always One)

Of course, Turki Alalshikh – the Saudi boxing kingmaker who's been throwing around money like confetti – has other plans. He wants Joshua vs Tyson Fury next year, but only after both guys get tune-up fights first.

"I need to have for each one tune-up fight first. Why? Because they are both coming off losses. It's to build it up," he told The Boxing Voice.

Smart move, actually. Both fighters need confidence boosters before they can sell a mega-fight to the public.

Why This Actually Makes Sense (Hear Me Out)

Look, I know what you're thinking. Tony Yoka? Really? But think about it strategically.

Joshua needs someone with name recognition but not someone who's going to knock his block off. Yoka fits that perfectly – Olympic pedigree, decent size, but clearly hittable based on his recent record. It's the kind of fight where AJ can look good, shake off the Dubois demons, adn remind everyone why he was a two-time heavyweight champion.

Plus, the storyline practically sells itself. Olympic redemption arc, anyone?

My prediction? This fight happens before Christmas, probably in the UK, with Joshua looking sharp enough to convince everyone (including himself) that the Fury fight is worth the paper it's written on.

Sometimes the fights you don't see coming are exactly the ones that make the most sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is needed to start training as a professional boxer?

To begin training for professional boxing, one must possess a strong commitment to physical fitness, discipline, and a willingness to learn. To begin training, it is important to learn all the fundamentals. This includes stances, footwork techniques, punches, defensive techniques, etc. You should join a reputable gym with trainers who are experienced and understand the nuances in professional boxing competition. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.

How do boxers manage weight and maintain their weight class?

Boxers can control their weight by sticking to a strict training schedule and diet. They typically work with nutritionists to develop a diet plan that ensures they can reach their weight class target without sacrificing nutrition and energy required for training. The importance of regular weight check-ins and regular exercise is crucial, especially in the run up to a fight. Weight management involves a strategic approach that, if not performed correctly, can result in health problems and/or poor performance.

How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?

As you transition from amateur to pro boxing, your competition intensity, mental preparation, and training will increase significantly. Amateur boxers must build a track record by participating in local and regional competitions. It is crucial to acquire a boxing license, and align yourself with experienced trainers and managers who can guide your career decisions and secure you professional bouts.

What are the risks of professional boxing?

Like all contact sports, professional boxing has inherent risks. They include acute injuries, such as cuts and bruises, broken bone, head trauma, and potential chronic conditions caused by repeated impacts, such concussion syndromes, or neurological disorders. The risks can be reduced with proper training, safety devices, and adhering to boxing rules, but never completely eliminated. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.

How important is mental toughness in professional boxing?

In professional boxing, mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. Resilience, focus, pressure-handling ability, and psychological fortitude are all required in the sport. Mental training involves visualizing, learning stress management skills, and developing the right mindset to take on the challenges inside the ring. Without mental toughness a boxer will struggle to perform under the high pressure conditions of professional competition.

What diet should a boxer who is a novice follow?

A novice boxer needs to follow a balanced nutritional diet that will fuel intense workouts while promoting recovery. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats for overall health. It is also important to consume vitamins and minerals as well. Consulting with a sports nutritionist can provide a personalized diet plan that aligns with the boxer's training regimen and weight class targets.

Is there an age limit for boxing?

Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing commissions require that boxers be 18 years or older to compete professionally. On the upper end, while there is no specific age limit, physical capabilities and health factors will naturally limit the age at which one can compete effectively and safely. Prior to taking up professional sports, it's important for older athletes be evaluated thoroughly for fitness and safety.

Statistics

Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.

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How To

How to Get Your First Professional Boxing Fight

To land your first professional fight in boxing, you need to combine training, networking and marketing yourself. Develop a strong amateur history to gain attention and showcase your skills. Make connections with trainers, gym owners and promoters to find out about opportunities. Create promotional material for your fights like a highlight film, and be active on social media to build your name. Final tip: Be ready to battle at all times so you can seize any opportunity that comes your way.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/this-58yearold-legend-just-lost-210-pounds-and-wants-to-beat-up-the-furys