Joshua's Next Move: Two Fights Lined Up (But Not the Ones You're Thinking)

By Lewis Barnett 4 June, 2025 6 mins read 33 Views

So here's the thing about Anthony Joshua right now.

The guy's been sitting on the sidelines since September when Daniel Dubois absolutely flattened him at Wembley. I was there that night, and honestly? The sound when AJ hit the canvas still gives me chills. Not the good kind. Then came the elbow surgery in May - because apparently getting knocked out wasn't enough punishment for one year.

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Eddie Hearn's Saudi Connection Strikes Again

But Eddie Hearn's been busy. Of course he has. The man never stops wheeling and dealing, and this time he's been chatting with Turki Alalshikh about a two-fight package deal. Hearn spilled the details to BoxingScene recently: "We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season. We've been doing that, [Turki Alalshikh] said that on the night of Canelo [vs. William Scull, May 3], when we had our meeting, and that's the plan really."

They're eyeing October, November, or December for AJ's return. Makes sense - gives his elbow time to heal and his confidence time to... well, hopefully rebuild itself after that Dubois disaster.

The Fury Dream is Dead (For Now)

Here's where it gets interesting though. Joshua, who's 35 now (God, where did the time go?), completely snubbed a rematch with Dubois. Can't say I blame him - getting knocked out once by someone is embarrassing enough. Dubois is now set to rematch Oleksandr Usyk on July 19th at Wembley, two years after Usyk schooled him the first time around.

And Tyson Fury? The man shocked everyone by announcing his retirement in January after getting beaten twice by Usyk in 2024. Poor guy looked like he aged five years in those two fights.

So much for that British blockbuster we all wanted to see.

Enter the B-List (But Still Dangerous)

Instead, we're looking at Dillian Whyte and Jared Anderson as potential opponents. Hearn was typically coy about it: "Two guys that have been discussed, but nothing concrete."

The Whyte situation is messy as hell. Joshua knocked him out back in 2015, and they were supposed to run it back in August 2023. Then Whyte failed a drug test - blamed it on a tainted supplement, naturally. The whole thing was embarrassing for everyone involved. He's been rebuilding with wins in Ireland and Gibraltar since then, but the damage to his reputation? That's harder to fix.

Anderson's story is even more complicated. The 25-year-old American was flying high until Martin Bakole absolutely destroyed him last August. Brutal knockout. He bounced back against Marios Kollias in February, but one comeback fight doesn't erase getting starched by Bakole.

What This Really Means

Look, I get it. Joshua needs to rebuild. Getting knocked out by Dubois wasn't just a loss - it was a statement that maybe his time at the top is over. Fighting Whyte or Anderson makes business sense, even if it doesn't get the blood pumping like a Fury superfight would.

Hearn summed it up perfectly: "We'll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk, we'll see what happens with Fury. And if we don't fight those guys, we'll fight, and then maybe we'll follow one of those guys next year."

Translation: We're playing it safe until the big names sort themselves out.

Can't say I blame them. Joshua's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and devastating lows. Maybe taking the scenic route back to relevance isn't such a bad idea after all. Even if it means we'll have to wait a bit longer for the fights we actually want to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is physical training in professional boxing?

Physical conditioning is paramount in professional boxing. The sport demands high levels of strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Professional boxers must engage in a tailored fitness program that includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, and flexibility workouts. The ability of a boxer to train and perform effectively is compromised without a superior level of physical conditioning.

What does it take to start training for professional boxing?

In order to begin professional boxing training, you must be physically fit, have discipline and be willing to learn. In the beginning, you will need to master basic fundamentals such as stance, footwork and punches. It is important to join a reputable, professional boxing gym. The trainers should be experienced professionals who know the intricacies of competition. Novice boxers typically undergo a rigorous regimen of conditioning, technique drills, and sparring to develop their skills before considering competition.

Is there an age limit for boxing?

Professional boxing does have age restrictions. Most boxing commissions insist that boxers must be 18 or older in order to fight 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.

Can anyone learn professional boxing?

Not everyone can compete at the professional level. Boxing is a sport that requires a special combination of physical strength, mental toughness, talent and dedication. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A comprehensive screening by a trainer can help determine if someone has the potential for a professional career in boxing.

What should a potential boxing trainer or coach look like?

When looking for a trainer or boxing coach, it is important to look at their coaching style compatibility and experience. They should also have a good understanding of the technical and strategy aspects of boxing. A good coach will also stress safety, conditioning and personal growth. It is also important to find a boxing coach who can motivate you and communicate effectively.

How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?

Mental toughness is as vital as physical conditioning in professional boxing. Resilience, focus, pressure-handling ability, and psychological fortitude are all required in the sport. Mental preparation involves visualization, stress management techniques, and developing a strong mindset to confront the challenges within the ring. Without mental toughness in the ring, boxers may not be able perform to their full potential.

How can amateur boxers become professional?

Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing entails a significant step up in competition, training intensity, and mental preparation. Amateur boxers must build a track record by participating in local and regional competitions. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.

Statistics

An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.

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How To

How to Balance boxing Training and Rest and Recovery

Balance between training, rest, and recovery are essential in preventing injury and burnout. Incorporate restdays into your training program to allow for your body's recuperation. Overtraining can be detected by excessive fatigue, insomnia or mood swings. Active recovery days, which involve light exercise, such as yoga or walking, can assist muscle recovery, while maintaining fitness levels. Pay attention to sleep and nutrition as these are important components for recovery and maintaining intensity.

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