Anthony Joshua’s Imminent Return
The return of heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua to the ring may be imminent following a personal tragedy involving his teammates. The 36-year-old Joshua sustained injuries from a car accident that claimed the lives of two of his colleagues in Nigeria last December, just ten days post his impressive sixth-round victory over influencer Jake Paul. This incident raised doubts about Joshua’s future in boxing, but he quickly returned to training.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated that a summer matchup could be on the table, even dropping hints on social media that suggest something exciting is brewing.
Speculation on Joshua’s Next Opponent
As Joshua prepares, speculation is rife regarding his next opponent. Currently, the former two-time world champion faces a limited pool of elite contenders, many of whom are preoccupied:
- Derek Chisora is set to square off against Deontay Wilder on April 4.
- Tyson Fury will take on Arslanbek Makhmudov a week later.
- Fabio Wardley will defend the WBO title against Daniel Dubois on May 9.
- Unified champion Oleksandr Usyk is slated to fight Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23.
Potential Contenders for Joshua
So, who might step into the ring with Joshua? Here are some potential contenders:
- Agit Kabayel is a WBC mandatory challenger still vying for his shot at Usyk, but his recent performance suggests he could be a candidate for Joshua if Hearn’s hints lead that way. Kabayel, known for his technical skills rather than sheer knockout power, previously achieved notable victories but was knocked down in a prior fight, indicating that Joshua might withstand his offense while seeking a decisive strike of his own. The 33-year-old could still jeopardize his mandatory title shot if he chooses to face Joshua.
- Filip Hrgovic, who has floated around the potential match-up conversation, currently lacks an opponent. After suffering a loss to Dubois in 2024, Hrgovic’s profile has dimmed; combat against him may not present the threat Joshua’s team desires due to Hrgovic’s recent less-than-stellar performances.
- Martin Bakole could be a viable option as Joshua continues to express an interest in fighting in Africa before his career concludes. The Congolese heavyweight has been through ups and downs recently, including a loss to Joseph Parker, which diminished his standing but still positions him as a fightable prospect.
- Guido Vianello might also come into play, although he lacks a compelling record with only a few impressive outings. However, his matchup with Joshua would likely be a calculated risk, but another fighter that might not excite fans.
If Joshua were to consider fighters currently lined up against each other, he may look at:
- Deontay Wilder, who is facing Chisora soon. A victory in that bout could reignite discussions of a long-awaited bout between Joshua and Wilder, although there are concerns about Wilder’s recent performances and age.
- Fabio Wardley could be on the list, contingent upon his title defense against Dubois. Should he lose, a compelling British clash against Joshua could materialize, considering Wardley has faced vulnerabilities in recent matches.
- Lastly, there remains interest in a bout with Tyson Fury, but satisfaction from either camp will depend on upcoming fights. Fury’s planned battle with Makhmudov could dictate his momentum leading into a highly anticipated face-off with Joshua.
Conclusion
With Joshua’s career still brimming with twists and turns, fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of his next opponent. The heavyweight division remains dynamic, and Joshua’s return could significantly shift the landscape ahead.
