Anthony Joshua's Struggles and Potential Retirement: What’s Next for the Former Heavyweight Champion?

Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua's Struggles and Potential Retirement: What’s Next for the Former Heavyweight Champion?

Anthony Joshua, one of the biggest names in boxing over the last decade, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Once considered a dominant force in the heavyweight division, the 33-year-old former two-time unified heavyweight champion is now grappling with a series of setbacks that have left fans questioning his future in the sport.

The Post-Defeat Struggles

After suffering a stunning fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua’s career trajectory has taken a sharp turn. The loss was a significant blow to his standing in the heavyweight division and has raised doubts about his ability to reclaim his former glory. Following the defeat, Joshua underwent elbow surgery, leaving his comeback plans in limbo. While he has been focusing on his recovery, the uncertainty around his return has only added fuel to the fire.

Promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that Joshua’s return to the ring is expected between September and November 2025, depending on how quickly he recovers. However, with every passing month, the looming question remains: will Joshua return to the top, or are we witnessing the twilight of his boxing career?

A Potential Early Retirement?

At 35 years old, time is certainly not on Joshua’s side. While his desire to continue fighting remains strong, both Hearn and Joshua himself have hinted that retirement may be just around the corner. Hearn has suggested that Joshua may hang up his gloves by the end of 2026, after potentially fighting two or three more opponents. That timeline could include a showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury, or even a potential fight against Deontay Wilder, both of whom have hinted at retirement but continue to keep the door open for lucrative matchups.

For Joshua, the pressure to perform is higher than ever. His legacy in the sport is undeniable, but after the Dubois loss and a string of unsuccessful attempts to secure major fights, it’s clear that his path to redemption will be anything but easy.

Trouble Securing Fights

One of the major hurdles in Joshua's career right now is his inability to secure a viable opponent. A planned rematch with Dillian Whyte, a fight that could reignite Joshua’s appeal, fell apart when Whyte tested positive for banned substances. Meanwhile, Whyte is scheduled to fight up-and-coming star Moses Itauma in August 2025, further complicating the possibilities of the much-anticipated rematch.

Joshua’s other potential opponents also face uncertain futures. With Tyson Fury on the brink of retirement and Oleksandr Usyk’s own plans unclear, the pool of potential high-profile opponents has significantly diminished. This leaves Joshua in a precarious position where even if he recovers from his injury, finding a worthy adversary could prove difficult.

Public Rivalries: Jake Paul’s Challenge

In an unexpected twist, YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul has thrown his hat into the ring, publicly challenging Joshua. The two exchanged private messages, with Paul goading Joshua about his previous knockout loss and claiming that Joshua's best days were behind him. While the trash talk has generated attention, it’s unclear whether such a fight would ever happen, given the stark contrast in their weight classes and boxing backgrounds.

However, Paul’s challenge highlights an important point: Joshua’s name is still able to generate media buzz, even in the midst of his struggles. Whether or not this translates into a fight remains to be seen.

The Future: What’s Next for Joshua?

With his boxing future hanging in the balance, the next few months could be critical for Joshua. If he does return to the ring in 2025, he will need to prove that he still has the heart, skills, and drive to compete at the highest level. His future may depend on how quickly he recovers from surgery and whether he can find an opponent that excites both him and his fans.

As retirement looms on the horizon, Joshua’s legacy in the sport is already secure. But if he is to make one final run at regaining his heavyweight crown, he will need to overcome the challenges that currently stand in his way: an injury, an uncertain fight schedule, and growing public skepticism. Whether or not Joshua will be able to add another chapter to his storied career remains to be seen.

For now, all eyes will be on his recovery and the announcement of his next fight. If he decides to retire before securing another contract, it will mark the end of an era in heavyweight boxing. But if Joshua decides to push on, the heavyweight division could see a dramatic resurgence of one of its former kings.

Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for the latest updates on Anthony Joshua’s comeback or potential retirement.

Anthony Joshua