Anthony Joshua is perfectly placed to fight his way back to the top of the boxing world. If all the pieces fall into place, Joshua could even contend for a title in the not-too-distant future. Joshua has spent a long time outside the squared circle; his last fight was a defeat to the ever enigmatic Daniel Dubois. Following that defeat, Joshua has spent a lengthy period on the sidelines watching as the heavyweight division becomes as popular as it’s ever been, thanks in no small part to the extraordinary fights in recent months and years.
Joshua’s comeback rests on the outcome of the Ajagba vs Sanchez fight
Well, sort of. Efe Ajagba is due to fight Frank Sanchez in an eliminator bout to find the next challenger for the IBF title that Oleksandr Usyk holds. However, there has been no date set for that eliminator fight, and if that fight were not to happen for whatever reason, Anthony Joshua could step up to fill the gap and take on Usyk for one of his many titles. But even in that distant reality, there is a catch.
Problem is that Usyk has asked for some time off, and even requested an extension for his next fight. His camp has stated that he needs time to recover following his fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in London, only a few months ago.
“The champion has earned the chance to let his body recover from the effects of a punishing training regime and from injuries that are often invisible to the outside world. And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family. Most importantly: he has earned the right to choose his own future – and to take the time he needs to make that decision. So, guys, don’t push the horses.” – Sergey Lapin, director of Usyk’s team and CEO of Ready to Fight
Anthony Joshua will fight anyone at this point in his career
Odds are that Joshua will get his fight sooner rather than later. New Zealand’s Joseph Parker is the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s title, but with the Ukrainian needing time off, the focus shifts to the possibilities of him facing someone else. The fact that the Ajagba vs Sanchez fight has no date set points to a possibility of Anthony Joshua stepping in to fight Usyk if a challenger can not be found.
Anthony Joshua last faced an opponent in the ring when he faced up to his compatriot, Daniel Dubois. Joshua has stated his wish to fight Tyson Fury, doing his best to lure the “Gypsey King” out of retirement. But Fury has denied all requests for him to return to the squared circle and remains very retired indeed. That leaves Anthony Joshua as one of the most high-profile heavyweights without an opponent to face.
The boxing world is still dealing with the news that Julio Chávez Jr has been arrested and is serving jail time in Mexico. Boxing has been thrusted into the limelight following the adoption of the sport into the streaming world. Jake Paul has masterminded the introduction of live streaming via Netflix for the world’s boxing fans.
Anthony Joshua will surely find an opponent to face in his return to the ring
With the massive financial returns that the promoters have seen in recent months, boxing has once again become immensely popular. Most likely due to the increased attention that the MMA has brought to the fighting world. Some people just prefer the sweet science. With the next high-profile fight on the cards soon, Anthony Joshua will surely be keeping a close eye on the latest results in the heavyweight division, as it will most likely determine who his next opponent will be when he eventually makes his return to the ring.
