Anthony Joshua’s Decline
In recent months, the dramatic decline of Anthony Joshua, once a dominant heavyweight champion, has stirred significant discussion among boxing enthusiasts. The former unified titleholder, often regarded as a formidable contender in the ring, has now found himself in the crosshairs of retired fighters and social media influencers, particularly those from the world of YouTube boxing, despite their lack of experience in the heavyweight category.
Recent Setbacks
Joshua, who has held two world titles, has faced a troubling string of defeats in recent times, suffering setbacks against Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and most recently Daniel Dubois. This unfortunate trajectory has led to speculation that Joshua is becoming an easy target for less traditional challengers looking to capitalize on his current vulnerability.
Public Reaction
Denzel Bentley, a middleweight fighter, took to social media to question the situation, asking, “Why is everyone onto Anthony Joshua?”
Fans quickly chimed in, with one remarking on how Joshua’s loss to Ruiz tarnished his reputation, calling Ruiz “Butterbean 2.0.” They asserted that without a significant victory against top-tier fighters like Tyson Fury or Usyk, Joshua’s standing may never fully recover.
Critics directed some of the blame towards Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, suggesting that his matchmaking strategies contributed to the current perception of Joshua as a soft opponent. Comments from followers indicated a desire for Joshua to step back into the ring against a Top 10 competitor, as another user bluntly remarked, “They think he’s easy. I hope AJ gives them what they want.”
Shifting Perceptions
Although Bentley pointed out that Joshua holds a record of fighting many Top 10 contenders, the shift in public opinion is undeniable. Outlets such as World Boxing News have previously suggested that Joshua may not possess the talent Hearn has often portrayed him to possess. Hearn’s efforts to liken Joshua to legendary figures like Muhammad Ali have not resonated positively with all observers, leading to increasing skepticism.
Future Prospects
Once heralded as the most anticipated matchup in boxing, the potential fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury is now perceived by some as a mismatch that would allow Fury an effortless victory. Despite the fight’s significance in the UK, global interest seems to be waning.
Recent callouts from YouTube boxing star Jake Paul and Hall of Famer Andre Ward have further complicated Joshua’s situation. Both are viewed as opportunists in the heavyweight space, potentially undermining Joshua’s credibility even further. Considering the injury risks highlighted in fights involving opponents like Francis Ngannou, it becomes vital for Joshua to refocus on elite-level competition.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has projected that Joshua could retire by 2026. However, many believe that if Joshua opts to enter the ring against Paul or Ward, he risks losing what remains of his reputation entirely. The future for Joshua rests on his ability to turn this narrative around, with many fans awaiting his next moves with both hope and skepticism.
