Tag: Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua has admitted his career needed a “reset” ahead of his return to the ring for a surprise fight against YouTube star Jake Paul.

Joshua has been absent from the ring since a brutal knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and was linked with a string of big-name fights before agreeing to face Paul in Miami this weekend.

Ahead of the bout, which takes place on Friday evening local time in Miami but in the early hours of Saturday morning in the UK, Joshua has released a video on his YouTube channel featuring several interviews with him from recent weeks.

Explaining his lengthy absence from the ring, Joshua said: “I always say this, for every time you win, there’s a reason. For every time you lose, there’s a reason.

“So why I pause is because when you lose, you tend to take a deeper look at yourself and take time to figure out what went wrong.

Read Also: Discovery Cup: Ojodu City clinches victory as tournament uncovers Nigerian talents for European football

“I had to look at the reasons why I lost, and I said to myself ‘I think I need a bit of time’ because I predicted this moment in like 2018. Not the loss, but the work I was taking on was a lot.

“I was moving 100 miles an hour, inside training, preparing for fights, working outside of boxing and for any man or any woman, at some stage, they probably need a bit of a reset.

“So it came to that stage, really, in 2025, where I was at the time and I thought, ‘you know, I probably need a year out of the game.”

“The question is, should Anthony Joshua fight Jake Paul? Who knows? But we’re going to do it anyway.”

The 36-year-old revealed that he had been planning on making a surprise return to action in Saudi Arabia, but the chance to take on Paul in a highly lucrative bout saw him change course.

“The plan was to take a year out of the game, come back with an understated fight, make a low-key entry back into the heavyweight division,” Joshua said.

“I was actually planning on fighting this weekend in Saudi Arabia. Plan was, go on, no media, no press conference and just walk out, have a fight and everyone like, ‘bro, where did this come from?’

“So now we’re fighting with Jake Paul in Miami, December 19. That’s why you’ve always got to stay ready because you never know what’s around the corner. Always stay ready.”

On paper, the fight is a huge mismatch with two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua taking on Paul, who hasn’t faced an opponent anywhere near the Brit’s calibre during his 13 professional bouts.

Joshua insists his focus is on the finer details of his own performance, rather than the expectation that he will claim a swift knockout victory.

Anthony Joshua has revealed he will NOT be earning a career-high purse against Jake Paul.

Joshua will take on YouTuber Paul in Miami next Friday in a controversial heavyweight showdown. Joshua has not fought since he was badly knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley 15 months ago and views his meeting with Paul as a tune-up for a potential clash with Tyson Fury next September.

Joshua is expected to earn as much as £70million ( currently about ₦135,250,907,890.39), just days before Christmas with Netflix splashing out on what promises to be one of the most-watched fights in boxing history.

Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

 But the former two-time heavyweight world champion has admitted it won’t be a record pay-day. When asked by TMZ if this would be his biggest purse to date, Joshua said: “Unfortunately not.”

Joshua also admitted he can’t afford to be taken many rounds by Paul, and that he needs to knock out the social media star. “I really understand where they’re coming from. I understand. I get it,” he said of those who have demanded he stops Paul early.

“I know the expectations and demands these fans have. And I respect it. If I didn’t respect it, I’d be honest with you and say, ‘No they’re talking rubbish,’ but I do. I do get it because I hold myself in that same regard, so I need to [KO Jake] and that’s my intention, to seek and destroy.”

A decision on whether former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua will fight in 2025 will be made later this week, promoter Eddie Hearn said.

Joshua has been out of action for almost 14 months since he suffered a dramatic fifth-round stoppage loss to fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

Defeat checked the 36-year-old’s progress under trainer Ben Davison and another shot at the world title, but Hearn said a tune-up bout could take place before this year is out.

 “We will make a decision this week in terms of if he will fight this year,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “We have to decide by this weekend basically.

 “It doesn’t really matter where it is. You won’t know about it until maybe even fight week. Honestly. That’s the whole purpose of it.”

Hearn added: “I think it would be so good for him but bizarre at the same time, because there’s no money in the fight. We’re not going to start using him to sell tickets. Literally he will just pop up on a show.

Read Also: NFF chieftains commend Salami on revival of Shooting Stars

“He’s really up for it. I think it would be so good for him. I’d love him to go in there and just smash someone up.”

Joshua’s defeat by Dubois ended a run of four straight wins after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, who ended his reign as world champion in 2021.

Usyk also twice beat another British heavyweight Tyson Fury, the former WBC champion.

Fury retired after that second loss, seemingly scuppering the prospect of a lucrative all-British bout against Joshua.

But recent reports have suggested Fury could resume his career next year, reviving hopes of a contest with Joshua.

Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring before the end of the year.

The British boxing star last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

Despite more than a year away from the ring, where the 36-year-old underwent elbow surgery, promoter Hearn has now issued a positive update on Joshua’s return.

He suggested that the heavyweight could return before the end of the year.

When asked if Joshua will fight on one of three Matchroom events on November 15, December 13 and December 27, Hurn replied: “Yes”.

Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

The promoter added: “All I’m saying is, if he fights this year, it will just be a run out fight.

“Because, coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year and a half, it’s not easy.

“And it isn’t about the money in this fight this year.”

The Briton was rumoured to be eyeing up a fight against rival Tyson Fury, who has retired from the sport.

AJ has also been heavily linked to events in Africa during early 2026, with several opponents putting their names forward, including Tony Yoka.

He could appear on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s fight against Conor Benn in a huge rematch on November 15.

If the turnaround is too tight, the former World Heavyweight Champion could also be lined up to appear in the US on the undercard of Diego Pacheco vs Kevin Lele Sadjo on December 13 in California.

Anthony Joshua was called out by two heavyweight rivals on the same night as he closes in on his return to the ring.

AJ is back training having been out since his September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

His promoter Eddie Hearn revealed their plans are to have at least one lower-level comeback fight before eyeing a British blockbuster with Tyson Fury.

And Arslanbek Makhmudov and Guido Vianello are two names to have put themselves in the mix.

Makhmudov beat Dave Allen in Sheffield and beforehand claimed Joshua promised him the bout if he won.

And Makhmudov, 36, said after victory: “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you.

“I’ve already spoken with him and he gave me his word that he will fight me next year. I’m ready.”

Camille Estephan, Makhmudov’s promoter told Sky Sports: “Definitely I think it would be a great fight.

“Arslanbek has shown against Allen that he has more than just nuclear power.

“The question remains though, can AJ handle Makhmudov’s power? I think a huge number of fans would like to find out.”

Later that night, Italian Vianello, 31, beat Alexis Barriere in Philadelphia and said: “Now I want a big name.

 “You want to know what big name I want? Anthony Joshua. I want Anthony Joshua. I want him in front of me.

Read Also: I’m not interested in  NFF chairmanship, says Fani-Kayode

“Let’s fight in Rome, in The Coliseum, in London – whatever you want. But give me a big name, please. I’m 31, I don’t have extra time, I want to win now.”

Joshua, 35, is back training for his next fight, likely to happen in February, with Fury, 37, targeted for later in 2026.

Hearn told Sky: “The plan’s very important.

“The most important thing is making sure he’s 110 per cent confident and ready to beat Tyson Fury.

“We need to be able to plan that for AJ to make sure that he’s in the best place possible for what will be the biggest moment of his career, I believe.

“If he fights this year, that will be a pure run out. It won’t be a top 15 guy.

“He’s either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury, if that can get made, or he’s going to have the one fight in February.

“We haven’t really decided yet but he’s keen to get active.”

Anthony Joshua has hinted that he is still interested in a long-overdue showdown with British rival Tyson Fury even as he revealed he would soon be undergoing ‘ small’ surgery.

Reports emerged this past week that Fury could be tempted out of retirement for a ‘generational’ Battle of Britain and a bout with ‘AJ’ has always piqued the interest of fans.

Fury hung up his gloves for a fourth time in January after suffering a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, but speculation has mounted that he could make a dramatic comeback after returning to full training.

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren admitted the potential fight would ‘tempt all of us’ while reminding fans that ‘you never know what can happen in boxing’.

The  Mail Sport were able to get Joshua’s thoughts as he arrived to watch Canelo Alvarez’s victory over William Scull in Riyadh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“We’ll save that conversation for another time,” Joshua joked in response to being asked if he wants the fight.

Read Also: NFF clears air on alleged unpaid salary to Chukwu

“I think what we’ll do for the viewers at home is go back over the years and find the same answer for the same question. Same , same, nothing changed.”

Joshua will need to return to full fitness before any concrete talks over a Fury bout can take place.    

He hasn’t fought since he was sensationally knocked out by Daniel Dubois in five rounds in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on September 21 after being dropped multiple times.

Joshua has been dealing injury and told DAZN on Sunday night that he requires surgery.

“When do you want me back people? I’m trying to get my body right. I’ve got to have surgery on my elbow. A small surgery sometime in May,” Joshua said. “That will see me out the gym for maybe 6-8 weeks. As soon as I’m healed I’ll be back.”

Joshua expanded on his recovery in his interview with Mail Sport, saying:“ I’ve gotta do my rehab, really.

“My body has been through the works innit. If I want to be here for the long time I just want to make sure my body is really good before I get back into the ring.

“Sooner than later. I’m still training but I’m just kind of rebuilding.

 “What it is basically… to be good is not enough in boxing, if you want to be a world champion you’ve got to be great.

“Throughout the last year or so, especially my last fight I was good but not great.

:To be a champion you gotta be ‘on your s*** basically and I need to step my game up.”

Anthony Joshua has climbed to seventh in the latest heavyweight rankings, but has four fellow Brits ahead of him.

The two-time heavyweight world champion suffered a brutal knockout by Daniel Dubois in his last bout at Wembley Stadium in September. It seemed an immediate rematch was on the cards, but after sustaining minor injuries in their first clash, ‘AJ’ wasn’t prepared for a quick return to the ring.

Just a few months later, Joshua’s long-standing adversary Tyson Fury was defeated for a second time by Oleksandr Usyk. Following this defeat, the ‘Gypsy King’ fell two places to No. 3 in the WBO’s December rankings. At the time of these official rankings, Joshua was in eighth place.

However, just four months later, the Brit finds himself with a new ranking. The 35-year-old is still recognised by the WBO and now sits in seventh place. Fury is no longer ranked by the organisation following his retirement from boxing in January.

British boxing veteran Derek Chisora is one spot below Joshua, while ‘The Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher is ranked 12th ahead of his rematch with rival Dave Allen in London next month. Following the updated rankings, two British stars are moving up the ranks.

Read Also: Super Eagles: Okocha warns on dangers of  missing  FIFA World Cup 26

Moses Itauma and Fabio Wardley, both rising stars in the boxing world, are making waves as they head into the latter part of 2025. Itauma, who celebrated his 20th birthday in December, currently boasts an impressive professional record of 11-0. He’s set to face former NFL line-backer Mike Balogun next month on the undercard of the Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman fight.

Just a fortnight after this showdown, Wardley is set to take on Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller in what promises to be the toughest test of his career, with the fight taking place in front of his home crowd in Ipswich. Currently, Itauma sits in second place, with Wardley just behind him in third. The reigning heavyweight champion, Usyk, holds the WBO title, with Joseph Parker as the mandatory challenger and interim champion.

As for Joshua’s future, his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn remains hopeful that Fury would consider coming out of retirement for a showdown with ‘AJ’. Speaking to Boxing News, Hearn said: “It wasn’t emotional watching him. The thing is with Tyson is, he’s not in decline. When you retire and you’re kind of past your best, I kind of get it, but he’s not. And that’s what gives me hope that one day he just picks up the phone to AJ or to Frank or Spencer and says, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s give the world the biggest fight out there.’ We can only hope.”

Eddie Hearn has opened up on whether or not Anthony Joshua is thinking about retirement as he plots a way back to the top of boxing.

AJ has suffered several high-profile defeats in the last few years after his two losses to Oleksandr Usyk were followed up by battering from Daniel Dubois last September.

That fight saw Joshua relinquish the IBF heavyweight title after he sunk to the canvas in the fifth round at Wembley.

That has given both Joshua – and his promoter Hearn – the challenge of finding a path to rebuild the 35-year-old’s reputation or else call it quits.

A blockbuster all-British bout against Tyson Fury was tipped for some point this year but the Gypsy King, reeling from his own Usyk defeats, retired from the sport last month to close that avenue to redemption for Joshua.

Fury’s decision led to speculation that Joshua may follow suit and also retire. And Hearn admitted that day may not be too far away.

 “Not yet, but there will come the time, “ Hearn said. “Those kinds of conversations really come from behind the scenes from how somebody is performing in camp.

Read Also: NFF unveils Éric Chelle as Super Eagles’ 37th coach

“In camp, if you haven’t got it anymore, it’ll be apparent. The injuries will get worse, you’ll get hurt in sparring against somebody you shouldn’t be getting hurt against.

“You’re not sharp and when that moment comes, that’s when the team will say  ‘AJ’s not looking good you know’ and that’s the moment when I will probably have a conversation with him.

“For the Daniel Dubois fight, the camp was great. He was super sharp and we were really confident going into that fight, coming off four good wins, two really good wins, and we thought he would win.

“We knew how dangerous the fight was, so he comes out, has a terrible start, never really recovers, comes back into the fight a little bit and gets chinned. No problem.”

 “If camp had gone really poorly and we were unsure, I think that conversation may have been brought forward.”

So, with retirement off the cards for the short-term then who are the duo eyeing up for Joshua’s next bout? The answer to that will become clear after this coming weekend.

Dubois will defend his title on February 22 in Saudi Arabia when he takes on Kiwi Joseph Parker. Hearn and AJ’s plan is to fight the victor – whoever that may be.

Hearn told BetFred : “Right now because Tyson Fury is retired, so put him to the side, the number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title. That’s 99 per cent of what he wants to do and if that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem. If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem.

“If AJ turns around and says that’s what he’s doing, then it’s done. It’s not me saying he can’t fight Daniel Dubois. Some people say he shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. What are you talking about?

“It’s your job, he’s the mandatory, what do you want to do? Give your belt up and have all that criticism that you ducked Usyk and you vacated your belt to do it?”

Derek Chisora has suggested three possible opponents for his next and likely final career fight.

After Saturday’s victory over Otto Wallin, Chisora canvased the crowd as to whether they wanted to see him fight Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight titlist, Oleksandr Usyk, the unified WBC, WBA and WBO champion, or Anthony Joshua.

Joshua remains a major star in British boxing but he has not managed to reclaim a world title since his first loss to Usyk. He lost a 2022 rematch to Usyk and Dubois, now the IBF champion, knocked him out last September inside five rounds.

Chisora has always been on good terms with Joshua. They both boxed for the same amateur club, Finchley ABC, and now Chisora’s career is handled by Joshua’s management company.

Matt Macklin spoke about Tyson Fury’s retirement announcement and the potential disappointment if he never faces Anthony Joshua in the ring

After his win over Wallin as he looks at imminent retirement, Chisora said: “I need something big. I think I’ve earned something big.”

He’s not convinced that will be Joshua, who he expects to fight Tyson Fury – despite the 36-year-old retiring after his second defeat to Usyk.

Read Also: US-based teenage fencer chooses to represent Nigeria

“Who knows? Right now AJ is healing himself after the defeat from Daniel Dubois. He’s not ready yet. When he’s ready he’ll come back and I think he’ll come back – not to fight me but to fight the ‘Gypsy King’,” Chisora said post-fight. “I’ll let the public decide [who next]. I’ll let you guys decide.”

Boxing Francis Ngannou, an MMA heavyweight champion in both UFC and PFL, in a crossover event has no great appeal for Chisora.

“I don’t think Francis Ngannou will come back to boxing after the AJ loss,” he said. “I want to fight a fighter.”

Then he joked: “I might fight Jake Paul, who knows?”

Chisora has now had 49 professional contests, including fights with Oleksandr Usyk, Vitali Klitschko and a trilogy with Tyson Fury.

A 50th and probably final fight is likely to take place overseas. “I think I’m getting old,” Chisora said after beating Wallin.

“It was very emotional for me,” he continued. “When I arrived I said to myself before I left my hotel, ‘I’m not going to cry’.

“It was very emotional for me and very sad because I love this game so much. So I just started crying. I was crying like a kid.”