Joshua Eyes Heavyweight Comeback, Building To World Title Shot

Anthony Joshua would have preferred to be in the ring rather than spectating on Saturday night. He watched his potential September adversary, Daniel Dubois, triumph over Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia, and then observed his long-time rival Deontay Wilder likely face the end of his career against Zhilei Zhang.

Joshua’s Reflections on Ringside Perspective

“I was hoping to get out on this card,” Joshua shared. “A rest ain’t good. Get out, get active. We’re young, we keep firing away. But, unfortunately, I didn’t get this opportunity. They’re talking about September 21 [for my next fight], so in the back of my mind I’m getting ready.

“It puts things into perspective when you watch from the outside. [When I’m boxing] I just have this view of what’s in front of me, but [tonight] I had a view of the ring walks, everything behind the scenes, and it makes me realize that what I’m doing isn’t enough. It’s not about winning, it’s about dominating.

“I need to assess what I’m doing because, in the ring, everything comes out – what you’ve been doing, where you’ve been living, where your mind has been at. And I really want to dominate where I’ve been at.”

Preparing for the Future: Dubois and Potential Opponents

Speaking to DAZN at 4 a.m. in Riyadh (local time), with what appeared to be bruising around his left eye, Joshua was cautious about confirming his next move, though a return to Wembley Stadium in September seemed likely.

“I’ve got to pick them off one by one,” he said about Dubois and Zhang. “It’s not going to be easy, but that’s my mentality. So come one, come all.

“Wembley, O2, York Hall – wherever they put me, I’m happy to fight. Any venue, I’ll turn up and do my job,” Joshua said.

He hinted that Dubois might be the most probable next opponent: “He’s been in tougher fights, so he becomes hardened. He’s worked his way up the ladder, so we’ll see what happens in the near future.”

Keeping an Open Mind About Wilder

As for Wilder, who seemed to be at the end of his tether after being defeated in five rounds by Zhang, Joshua remained open-minded.

“Come again if you want, but he’s got his family and there’s a life outside of boxing for him,” Joshua observed. “I enjoy fighting in London, I enjoy fighting out here [Saudi Arabia], I enjoy fighting in America. It’s a blessing, and it don’t last forever. That’s why I say it with Wilder, if he wants to go again, give it another crack. But sooner or later, Father Time will catch up with you – with everyone.”

When asked if it was disappointing to see Wilder lose in such a manner, Joshua simply replied, “Nah, it is what it is.”

Building Towards a World Title Shot

Joshua’s focus on his next fight is unwavering. As he eyes a dubious heavyweight comeback, he remains determined to build towards a world title shot. His commitment to dominating the ring is evident, and he looks forward to proving himself once more, no matter the opponent or venue.