Anthony Joshua’s path forward in the heavyweight boxing landscape remains uncertain following Tyson Fury’s purported retirement, which effectively scuttles a highly anticipated and lucrative showdown between the two British boxing stars. While Fury’s retirement pronouncements have been inconsistent in the past, should he truly hang up his gloves, promoter Eddie Hearn has identified seven alternative opponents for Joshua to consider. Each potential matchup presents unique challenges and opportunities, shaping Joshua’s trajectory back to a title shot.
One immediate possibility involves the victor of the upcoming bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. Joshua has history with both fighters. He suffered a knockout loss to Dubois in a previous encounter and was subsequently slated for a rematch before negotiations stalled. Parker then stepped in to face Dubois for the IBF heavyweight world title, setting the stage for a compelling narrative. Regardless of who emerges victorious, the winner instantly becomes a prime target for Joshua, offering a chance at redemption against Dubois or a high-stakes clash with the experienced Parker.
Another intriguing scenario hinges on the outcome of the fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel. This match carries significant weight as it determines the WBC interim titleholder. The winner is guaranteed a shot at the undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, or, should Usyk vacate his titles, will be elevated to full champion status. This presents a tempting proposition for Joshua, as a victory over either Zhang or Kabayel would catapult him back into the title picture, offering a quicker route to championship contention than other options.
A long-awaited clash with Deontay Wilder remains a tantalizing possibility. This matchup, which has been teased for years, has fallen through on multiple occasions, most notably due to Wilder’s losses to Tyson Fury and Robert Helenius. Despite these setbacks, Wilder is planning a comeback, and a single victory could reignite the interest in a Joshua fight. The explosive power of both fighters guarantees a thrilling spectacle, making this a highly marketable and potentially lucrative option for Joshua.
Dillian Whyte presents a familiar foe for Joshua, having faced him in both amateur and professional ranks. While Joshua avenged an amateur defeat with a professional victory, a rematch has been a recurring theme in their careers. A recent adverse finding in Whyte’s drug test derailed plans for a rematch in August 2023, but Whyte has since returned with two victories. While the cloud of the drug test looms, the history and animosity between these two British heavyweights still make this a compelling matchup.
Martin Bakole, a sparring partner turned potential opponent, offers another intriguing option. Bakole’s recent upset victory over Jared Anderson has significantly elevated his standing in the heavyweight division. Having sparred with Joshua in the past, Bakole possesses valuable insights into Joshua’s strengths and weaknesses, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this potential encounter. Bakole’s impressive record and rising profile make him a legitimate threat and a worthwhile challenge for Joshua.
Each of these seven potential opponents presents a unique set of challenges and rewards for Anthony Joshua. From rematches with familiar foes to clashes with rising contenders and established veterans, Joshua’s next move will be crucial in determining his future in the heavyweight division. While the financial windfall of a Fury fight is now off the table, these alternative matchups offer Joshua a path to reclaim his status as a world champion and solidify his legacy in the sport. The coming months will be crucial in determining which direction Joshua chooses to pursue, and ultimately, how his story in the heavyweight division unfolds.
